HOLMES BEACH – Mike LaPensee’s life was joyously celebrated at the Key Royale Club in Holmes Beach on Sunday, July 14.
Mike passed away on June 22 at the age of 79. Standing near a table filled with Mike’s model boats, cars, trains, planes, photographs, awards, medals and other keepsakes, his wife of 47 years, Karen, personally greeted almost every guest that entered.
Attended by family members, friends, community members, business associates, elected leaders and more, Sunday afternoon’s celebration featured free rum and Cokes and a vast and impressive food spread that included shrimp, charcuterie boards, eggrolls, hush puppies and sandwiches. “Mike would be proud. This is a hell of a spread,” Holmes Beach resident John Clarke said.
Around 6 p.m., shots of Ron Zacapa rum were distributed and Karen proposed a toast. “Mike LaPensee would be absolutely thrilled to have you all here tonight drinking his top-shelf Zacapa,” she said, noting he did not like limes in his rum and Cokes.
“I can’t thank you enough for coming here tonight to celebrate this wonderful man with me. We all loved him. We’ll all miss him. Here’s to Mike.” Friends and family members then shared their Mike stories and memories.
Roser Church member Dale Powers noted that Mike was a dedicated church member.
Mike’s brother, Richard LaPensee, said, “He was a wonderful brother. I’ll miss him dearly.”
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