Obituary of Frank LABREE

Frank H. LaBree Jr. passed away August 15, 2006 in Lake Havasu City, AZ after an extended illness. He was 79. Mr. LaBree was born on July 10, 1927 in New England, before moving with his family to California while a teenager. He attended and graduated from Vista High School in San Diego County in 1945. He served two years in the U.S. Navy, receiving his Honorable Discharge on August 17, 1946.After his military career, Mr. LaBree married his lifelong companion, Darlene, with whom he was married for 56 years. Mr. LaBree attended Woodbury Business College in Los Angeles, CA, studying Business Administration. After receiving his B.A. degree in 1952 from Woodbury, Mr. LaBree began his business career with Ladco Wholesale Electric in Los Angeles where he remained for more than 25 years. Mr. LaBree also worked briefly for Prudential Lighting in Los Angeles before joing Superior Wholesale Electric in 1975. In July of 1976, Mr. LaBree opened his own firm, Cal-Duct Inc. in South El Monte, CA, specializing in power and communications for dry utilities. From its inception, Cal-Duct has grown to a firm with more than 30 employees servicing customers throughout the western United States.An avid water and snow skier, Mr. LaBree was a long-time member of the National Ski Patrol in Southern California where he was a volunteer search and rescue and first aid specialist. After discovering the Colorado River area in the 1950's, Mr. LaBree and his wife relocated to Bullhead City, AZ in September of 1992. Mr. LaBree continued serving as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Cal-Duct until 2000. While residing in Bullhead City, Mr. LaBree became active in civic affairs and was a member of the Help Us Get Good Government, HUGGG, organization.Frank and Darlene LaBree had three children; all girls, including Barbara Pearson of Fresno, CA, Roxanne McWilliams of West Hills, CA and Tracy Spreier of Temecula, CA. Frank LaBree is survived by his wife and daughters along with five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.The family has requested donations be submitted in Mr. LaBree's name to the Alzheimer's Research Foundation (www.alz.org).Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com