10/31/2026
Our deepest sympathies to the LaForest family. They have been long time competitors at the Ridge.
We always enjoyed our time with Don. He will be greatly missed. Following is his obituary from the Times Argus.
Our thoughts and prayers to Kevin, Chris, Jon and the whole family Gods speed.
Donald R. LaForest BARRE — Donald R. LaForest, 71, of Barre, VT died peacefully on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at UVM Medical Center in Burlington. His loving family was by his side. Donald was born January 4, 1955, in Barre, VT; the son of Frank Lussier Jr. and Esther (LaForest) Lussier. He attended Spaulding High School, class of 1973. A staple of East Barre at Cameron’s Garage/ Crossway Auto (“Chief Operations Supervisor”) for over 50 years, Donald was very well known with the entire community, never afraid to strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. Donald was an avid yard saler who could never pass up a good deal whether anyone he knew needed it or not. A family-oriented man and the root of the family, all holidays were celebrated at his house playing poker and other games. You could always find him following his passion/hobby at any local racetrack (mainly Thunder Road and Bear Ridge Speedway) with the past 13 years supporting and bragging about his boys and nephew. Donald took pride in keeping his neighborhood lawn maintenance up to his standards. His pride and joy were his grandkids, Kasey and Baylee. Donald was first married to Kim (Currier) LaForest in 1979. They later divorced. He then married Charlene (Culver) LaForest in 1988. Donald leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Charlene, his three sons, Kevin LaForest and his partner Alison Maxham of Northfield, Jonathon LaForest and his wife Melissa LaForest of Barre, and Chris LaForest and his wife Paige Coolbeth-LaForest of Barre. His siblings, Michael LaForest and his wife Tina LaForest of Orange, Jack Lussier and his wife Alisa Lussier of Barre, Joe Lussier and his wife Candy Lussier of Ladson, South Carolina, Tina Lussier and partner Jefferson Garvey of Barre, Becky Lussier of Topsham, numerous nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren, Kasey LaForest and Baylee LaForest. Donald is predeceased by his mother, Esther (LaForest) Lussier, father, Frank Lussier Jr., Aunt Ruby “Polly” (LaForest) Flood, uncle, Raymond Flood, brother, Tom Lussier, and his niece, Heather LaForest. Per the family’s request, his funeral will be private and at the convenience of his family. There will be a public celebration of life at The Canadian Club in Barre on November 27th from 9:00 am-1:00 pm
