It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of industry giant Earl LaFave on December 2, 2019. He was 72 years old.
Earl was born in Marquette, MI and attended St. Monica’s Parish in Detroit before graduating from St. Mary’s of Redford High School. He attended Lawrence Institute of Technology, and he proudly served his country in the United States Army as an M.P. He married Rosemary Budd in 1968, and they built their first home in Southfield, Michigan, where they lived for 27 years before moving to Livingston County. Earl built many successful businesses with his brother, Steven, beginning with a trucking company, Metro Transport, and then expanding into building and development with Beck Development and Green Oak Properties. Earl enjoyed traveling with his wife to Florida in their bus and heading to Aruba in the winter. They loved visiting with friends, as well as attending their grandson’s football games. He was an avid Detroit sports fan, and he supported many causes, both non-profit and political.
Earl was an innovator and a leader and his loyalty to his family and friends was inspirational. He was always willing to advise and assist anyone who needed his expertise, regardless of whether or not they were competitors or acquaintances.
He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Rosemary, a sister, brothers, children, grandchildren and numerous extended family members.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church or Brighton Football, 7878 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI 48116. To share a memory with the family, please visit vermeulenfh.com.
MITA received the visitation and funeral arrangements at a late date, so we were unable to share the information prior.
We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Earl (as well as to the teams of every company he worked with over the course of his career) during this difficult time.
