Shrewsbury – Bruce LaPierre lived a good portion of his life in service of others and did everything in his power to help those struggling with addiction to find help and perhaps in that search…to find God. It was God who granted him the serenity to accept the things he couldn’t change; courage to change the things he could and wisdom to know the difference. And when diagnosed with cancer almost two years ago, Bruce fought hard to live each day one at a time; enjoying one moment at a time and accepting hardships as the pathway to peace. And when the end came for Bruce Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, he knew that he would be supremely happy with God forever and ever in the next. He died at Rose Monahan Hospice Residence, surrounded by the love of his family.
On Nov. 30, 1959 in Worcester, Bruce Edward LaPierre was born a son to Paul J. and Janice M. (Richmond) LaPierre. Raised in Shrewsbury he graduated from Saint John’s High School with the class of 1977. Bruce loved the outdoors and grew up on Lake Quinsigamond where he learned to water ski and later teach other family and friends. Snow skiing was also a passion and he was a loyal fan to the Boston Celtics.
Anyone who knew Bruce would attest to the fact he beat to his own drum. With music in his soul he was a music producer and singer. He was active in helping organize Locobazooka, music events in Middlesex and rain forest aide concerts in Costa Rica.
In order for Bruce to have been as effective and helpful with those struggling with addiction he knew the disease firsthand. The only way out of pain is through it and Bruce made it. For over a decade he was actively involved in the fellowship. Bruce was at Liberty church every single morning to unlock and welcome friends to meetings. Dubbed an ‘honorary pastor’ he was a familiar and welcomed face at the church. He recently scored the words to a recovery based song for his New Day ministry called “White Flag” and it has become a recovery mantra.
In addition to his parents, Paul and Janice LaPierre of Shrewsbury, he leaves his children, Tiffany L. Bazin and her husband Timothy of Oxford, Krystal L. Robinson and her husband Michael of Boylston, and Stefan R. LaPierre and his longtime girlfriend Emily Bessette of Millbury; his grandchildren, Logan and Liam Bazin and Avery and Tanner Robinson; his former wife, Pamella J. Carrignan of Millbury; his siblings, Paulette McKenzie of Shrewsbury and Robert LaPierre of Worcester; his longtime companion, Linda Nickerson of Shrewsbury; many nieces and nephews; and his much-loved dog, Pal.
Family and friends will honor and remember Bruce’s life by gathering for calling hours Friday, Jan. 20, from 5-8 p.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center. His funeral service will be celebrated Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m., in Liberty Church, 495 Hartford Tpke. (Route 20). Pastor Tim Cruz will officiate. Burial will be private.
Honor Bruce’s love for his church with a contribution to Liberty Church, 495 Hartford Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
