Van Buren--- Richard "Rick" LaPlante, 69, passed suddenly Thursday evening, May 12, 2022. He was born January 16, 1953 in Van Buren, a son of Chanel and Leola (Michaud) Laplante, and a graduate of Van Buren High School.

He was a well-known and long-time landlord, managing his apartments and had a wonderful relationship with all his tenants. Rick also was a master plumber and heating tech for many years, serving much of the St. John Valley. During his younger years, he pursued a degree in aviation, received his degree from Spartan College of Aeronautics, Tulsa, OK, and was a flight trainer for several Van Buren residents.

Rick loved his family more than anything, and his face radiated with joy every time he spent time or Facetimed with his granddaughters. He was a figurehead of East Side of Van Buren Cove, Long Lake, where he loved the neighborhood kids stopping by or spending the nights playing cribbage. Rick always had a special bond with his dogs, and he liked to joke that he loved animals more than humans. He loved bonding with his family and cherished many ski trips and was looking forward to a Hawaii trip during the next winter.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 38 years, Lucille (Levesque) Laplante of Van Buren; his parents of Van Buren; two daughters, Erica Laplante of Caribou and Brianna Cote and her husband Tim of Vassalboro; his pride and joy, three granddaughters, Desirae, Olivia and Annie; four siblings, Bill Laplante and his wife Donna of Van Buren, Donna Albert and her husband Greg of New York, Brian Laplante  and his partner Trent Davis of Massachusetts, and Scott Laplante of Van Buren; Rick's close friend, Joe Hardy; and many in-laws, friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Thursday, May 19, 2022, at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church, Main St, Van Buren. Relatives and friends may greet the family Wednesday evening 6-8 PM at Lajoie Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.