Wayne N. Ladouceur

Wayne (“Butch”) Noel Ladouceur, 75, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg, following a courageous battle with cancer. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, from 2pm - 6pm at Fox & Murray Funeral Home in Ogdensburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 10am, with Rev. Joseph A. Morgan celebrating.

Wayne is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Cheryl; three children, Bob and Gena Ladouceur of Canton; Jason and Michelle Ladouceur of Waddington; and Cristen (Ladouceur) and Shane Halladay of Louisville; six grandchildren, Anna, Sophie and Cooper Ladouceur of Canton; Jackson and Faith Halladay of Louisville; and Grayson Ladouceur of Waddington; and two sisters, Joyce (Ladouceur) Blood of Ogdensburg, and Sandra (Ladouceur) Gooshaw of Massena.

A native of Ogdensburg, Wayne was born on February 2, 1943 to James and Mary Margaret (Peg) Ladouceur. He graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in 1962 and attended the Roethel’s Business School at SUNY Canton. He married Cheryl Conant on April 24, 1965. Wayne began his sales career working for S&K Liquors and later moved on to Service Liquor, both of Syracuse, NY. His territory covered the majority of St. Lawrence County. He retired from liquor sales in 1995 and soon thereafter founded Video Image Productions (VIP Video), a company through which he provided video recording services to both individuals and businesses, including law firms, Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center and the Ogdensburg City Council.

For the last 32 years, Wayne served as a tireless volunteer at United Helpers as the facilitator of the membership unit for RiverLedge. He was later elected to represent RiverLedge on the Management Company Board of Directors, where he held the position of Chair from 2014-2016. During his service on the Board of Directors, he was instrumental in raising awareness in the community of the services provided by United Helpers and generated significant financial support for the organization.

Wayne was exceedingly proud of his family heritage. To honor his family’s legacy, he commissioned a storyboard complete with photographs and a written history detailing the achievements of the nine-member, all-brother Ladouceur Baseball Team. At a ceremony held on June 16, 2017, the storyboard was unveiled at the Dobisky Center, where it is now permanently housed, and the City of Ogdensburg issued a proclamation honoring the “Ladouceur 9”. As the grandson of Antoine Jr., Wayne wanted to ensure that the unique accomplishments of his grandfather and great-uncles would be recognized and remembered. Because of Wayne’s vision and dedication, the baseball team has, in perpetuity, secured a place of prominence in Ogdensburg’s history.

Wayne enjoyed spending time in his extensive gardens and wood shop, and driving his Slingshot. Pop-Pop was especially fond of watching his grandchildren play sports, and often supplied tootsie pops to the spectators. He also devoted countless hours to the residents of United Helpers, providing them and their families with emotional support, encouragement and inspiration. With a special talent for turning frowns upside down, he became an extended member of many of the residents’ families. Known for his generosity, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to all who needed it. His infectious spirit, kindness, compassion, humor, and friendship will be his enduring legacy. He will be dearly missed by the many lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wayne’s name to The Society of the United Helpers, 732 Ford Street, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. Condolences and fond memories may also be shared at www.foxandmurrayfuneralhome.com.