Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service - King-Hart Chapel

Douglas Clayton LaPage

( August 18, 1946 - March 12, 2025 )

       Douglas Clayton LaPage, 78, beloved widower, father, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2025.  He was born on August 18, 1946, in Saginaw, the son of Joseph and Berdella (Moore) LaPage.

       Douglas graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and Central Michigan University with his Bachelor’s in Education.  He taught for four years in Saginaw, then moved to Pentwater and began teaching at Pentwater Public Schools in 1972. Douglas married Susan (Pettet) LaPage on December 21st, 1973. While at Pentwater, he worked to develop the mathematics curriculum, the woodshop program, and drafting courses.  Douglas also coached many of the sports teams for Pentwater, including basketball and track and field. His joy and passion for teaching over the years helped so many students realize they could do amazing things. He had a great appreciation for quality craftsmanship and always attempted to reuse and repair everything, perhaps at times beyond the lifespan of the particular tool/item.

       Douglas found a lot of happiness in travelling all over the U.S.; he had a great enthusiasm for showing his two children, Michael and Christy, all the wonder this country has to offer.  Douglas also always had a wonderful time taking many dogs over the years on adventures with the children.  Many winter trips to escape from the cold of Michigan were taken with the family to Walt Disney World or a warm beach in Florida or North Carolina.  Douglas delighted in watching his children and wife relax and play in the ocean, or ask for just one more ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disney.  Douglas also loved golfing, sailing, and skiing with his family throughout his life.

       In Douglas’s retirement, he enjoyed life at home with his lovely wife, Susan, in beautiful Pentwater.  A large portion of time was spent working around the house upgrading and maintaining.  When nights came around, Pepsi and The Big Bang Theory were a common way to unwind and laugh with family.  Although not a paid spokesperson for Pepsi, Douglas may have helped ensure their stock prices were on a continual rise with the amount of the pop that was consumed regularly.  Douglas and his wife travelled south for the winter in retirement to spend at least a month on the beach. They soaked up the sun, relaxed, and strolled down the beach hand in hand, picking up unique seashells. Though there was always a short diversion to Disney World with every trip (just to see if anything had changed).

        Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 24, 2025, at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 637 6th Street, Pentwater, MI 49449. Visitation will be held Monday, from 10:00 AM until time of Mass, at the church. Interment will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Weare.

        In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Catholic Church, 637 6th St. Pentwater, MI 49449. 

        Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

        www.beaconfh.com