I was an aerospace student of Mr. LaGrone at West Brook in 1986. He was one of my all time favorite teachers. My sympathies for your loss.
Saturday, February 19, 2011

To the family of Mr. LaGrone. May the peace which comes from the memories of love and good times shared, comfort and support your family in the days ahead. I had the good forturne, as well as many of my other classmates, to be a part of Mr. LaGrone's Aerospace class for 2 years at Westbrook High. He was truly an excellent eductor who always kept his classes enjoyable.
Saturday, February 19, 2011

My most sincere sympathies to the Lagrone family. It has been decades since graduating high school, but my memories of Mr. Lagrone are still vivid. He has always been my favorite educator. I remember after going into the Navy, I was home on leave and spoke to his Aerospace classes about hoover crafts. What an honor. It was a good feeling to give back to him and his passion for aerospace. He was a good man. Fair winds and following seas.
Friday, February 18, 2011

Willie LaGrone was a large presence in my life as an adolescent and a teenager. With the many hours spent with him each week during daily band rehearsals along with summer marching practice, fund raising, and band trips, I believe he had more influence on me than any other adult in my life with the exception of my parents. Mr. LaGrone taught his students about honor, duty, responsibility, discipline, hardwork, and perseverance -- traits that hopefully have been ingrained to some degree in all of us.

I would like to extend my condolences and prayers to his family, and I hope that the memory of the fine man that he was can give them comfort in their time of grief.
Friday, February 18, 2011

I’ll never forget how apprehensive I was at the beginning of my freshman year in band. I’d heard how tough the high school band director was. Though I loved band I wasn’t sure I could make it through four years with a tough band director. Well I made it through. Yes, I made many mistakes in those four years, but I never felt undeserved criticism from him. Oh, he was tough all right, he had to be. He expected the best from us and he made you want to give him your best. But I never doubted that he cared for each of us in his own special way. And too, you knew all was well when he gave you that half grin of his.
What a wonderful man, mentor and friend. I will never forget him and will always cherish my days with Mr. LaGrone and the SPHS Band. Those were some of the best days of my life.

We will miss you Mr. LaGrone. Soar with the eagles.

To family and friends; I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you. Know that you will see him again when we too are called home.

Debbie

Friday, February 18, 2011