Ronald LaRoche

Ronald Gene LaRoche, 59, of Poplar died Nov. 13, 2020, at Poplar Hospital.

He was born in Poplar on June 9, 1961, to Joe LaRoche Sr. and Viola Kelsey.

When he was 14, he first met Diane Barman. She still remembers his leather jacket and cowboy boots with a knife tucked inside. He won her heart when they were 17 and they married two years later on Friday, June 13, 1980. Their 40-year marriage was filled with laughter and love.

He had a quick wit and way with words, always keeping a smile on everyone’s faces. He had a big loving heart under his tough exterior. He loved his family and was a very involved grandfather, adored by all his grandchildren. He’d do anything for them, from recording books in his voice so he could read to them even when he wasn’t there, to teaching granddaughter KaiLeigh to ride her scooter. The only line he drew was the slip and slide because it ruined his grass.

He enjoyed spending his free time fishing. He was in many tournaments with Jamie Atkinson, but he had many fishing buddies. He also enjoyed pool and played in a league for many years. Even as a child, he always liked to keep busy. When he retired, Diane knew he was going to need something to do and Cruzer was exactly what he needed. They were inseparable.

He worked at the school for 11 years, L.A.W. Construction for about 10 years and Atkinson Rain Gutter for over 20 years.

Survivors include his wife, Diane LaRoche; son; Josh LaRoche; daughter, Whitney Kelsey; and father, Frank Kelsey.

A viewing is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Nov. 27, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. The funeral will be at noon on Friday, Nov. 27, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment will be held at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.