J. Russell LaBarge, Jr., whose law career spanned more than five decades and included service as public administrator, municipal attorney and general practitioner, died Aug. 29 at the age of 79.
LaBarge was described as “a dear human being, a successful attorney, a lovely family man — but most of all, full of fun with a positive outlook on life.”
He was also known for “his quiet sense of humor and zest for life”
LaBarge grew up in Roseville, the oldest of 7 children, with his mother Margaret and father J. Russell, a judge and Roseville City Attorney.
He was a graduate of Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School.
LaBarge was a partner in firms such as LaBarge Zatkoff & Dinning; LaBarge Dinning Lyons & Greve; Johnson Rosati LaBarge; and Bellanca LaBarge (where he practiced law with son Jay for five years). He joined O’Reilly Rancilio as “of counsel” for the final five years of his career.
During his long career, LaBarge served as well as city attorney for Roseville, Harper Woods and Richmond Township.
LaBarge was the 1988-89 president of the Macomb ?Bar Association, served as chairman of the Blue Water Commission evaluating water quality of the great lakes and worked as a Macomb County public administrator, an appointment given by the Michigan Attorney General.
His many interests and passions included running (completed three marathons and one of the founders of the annual Roseville Big Bird Race starting in 1978), golfing (two holes in one), swimming, boating, water and cross country skiing, music (especially the classics like the Beatles and Beach Boys), cars (from a triumph convertible, to a VW convertible to 911 Porches) and travel.
LaBarge enjoyed living on Lake Huron for the last 42 years and, relatives recalled, was usually the first one in Lake Huron in the spring and the last one out in the fall.
LaBarge “led his family by example…with a tireless work ethic and unconditional love of family,” relatives recalled. “This love of family was passed on to us and has resulted in a strong family bond, which was especially apparent during these last difficult months.”
He is survived by his wife, Susan; children Aimee (Jason) Poole and Jay (Kelly) LaBarge; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to Forgotten Harvest (15000 W. Eight Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237) or Capuchin Soup Kitchen (1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207).
LaBarge was described as “a dear human being, a successful attorney, a lovely family man — but most of all, full of fun with a positive outlook on life.”
He was also known for “his quiet sense of humor and zest for life”
LaBarge grew up in Roseville, the oldest of 7 children, with his mother Margaret and father J. Russell, a judge and Roseville City Attorney.
He was a graduate of Michigan State University and Wayne State University Law School.
LaBarge was a partner in firms such as LaBarge Zatkoff & Dinning; LaBarge Dinning Lyons & Greve; Johnson Rosati LaBarge; and Bellanca LaBarge (where he practiced law with son Jay for five years). He joined O’Reilly Rancilio as “of counsel” for the final five years of his career.
During his long career, LaBarge served as well as city attorney for Roseville, Harper Woods and Richmond Township.
LaBarge was the 1988-89 president of the Macomb ?Bar Association, served as chairman of the Blue Water Commission evaluating water quality of the great lakes and worked as a Macomb County public administrator, an appointment given by the Michigan Attorney General.
His many interests and passions included running (completed three marathons and one of the founders of the annual Roseville Big Bird Race starting in 1978), golfing (two holes in one), swimming, boating, water and cross country skiing, music (especially the classics like the Beatles and Beach Boys), cars (from a triumph convertible, to a VW convertible to 911 Porches) and travel.
LaBarge enjoyed living on Lake Huron for the last 42 years and, relatives recalled, was usually the first one in Lake Huron in the spring and the last one out in the fall.
LaBarge “led his family by example…with a tireless work ethic and unconditional love of family,” relatives recalled. “This love of family was passed on to us and has resulted in a strong family bond, which was especially apparent during these last difficult months.”
He is survived by his wife, Susan; children Aimee (Jason) Poole and Jay (Kelly) LaBarge; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that donations be made to Forgotten Harvest (15000 W. Eight Mile Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237) or Capuchin Soup Kitchen (1820 Mount Elliot St., Detroit, MI 48207).
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