Leo Clair “(Lefty)“ LaForce passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005, from complications due to Parkinson's Disease in Fletcher Allen Health Care with his loving family by his side. Leo was born in Burlington on June 8, 1926, the only child of Leo David and Glenna (Phillips) LaForce. He graduated from Burlington High School, Class of 1944. He worked at several jobs, starting at a very young age helping his parents in their restaurants. His mechanical interest and training led to jobs at Pet Boat Company and Point Bay Marina. He joined IBM in 1964, retiring in 1987 as a senior tool support specialist. As a young man, Lefty enjoyed hunting and fishing, and riding motorcycles, especially his Harley. He “discovered“ tennis in his early 40s, which became a passion of his for the next 30 years, both in Essex Junction and in St. Petersburg, Fla. He passed on his love of the game and his “strategies“ to three generations. During the winters in St. Petersburg, he also took up shuffleboard and billiards. His unique sense of humor will be missed by all. Lefty is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Shirly (Ames) LaForce; his children, Claire LaForce, Lonnie Edson, Eileen Metivier, Jeanne Knowlton and Leo P. and his wife, Denise LaForce. He was predeceased by his son, James, in January 1971, as a result of a car accident. “Pappy“ will be missed by his nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Stephanie Smith and her children, Nicholas, Brianna and Jake; Erica and husband Robert Borthwick and their children, Hollianne and Devan; Marcy and her husband James Brigham and their children, Keely, Jaren, Alden and Violet; Elizabeth and Emily Metivier; Kyle Knowlton; Christopher, Maria and David LaForce. He is also survived by several cousins, in particular, Judson and his wife Kit Conner of Georgia and Mary Facteau of New York; and by many friends, including his tennis buddies, especially the “East Street Gang.“ Visiting hours will be held Friday, Dec. 2, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Corbin and Palmer Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St. Essex Junction. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 4 Prospect St., Essex Junction. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vermont Parkinsons's Respite Fund, c/o Jean Baker, 1 South Prospect St., Burlington, Vt. 05401, of the VNA Adult Day Care Center, 1110 Prim Road, Colchester, Vt. 05446.