Steven LaVoie Remembered at Saturday Memorial Ceremony in LaGrange

“Being sensitive is what made Steve so special.” So said Steven LaVoie’s older brother, Larry, on Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of LaGrange. “It was obvious from the very beginning that Steve was very bright and had a fierce determination. ... I would tell him boys don’t cry, but Steve did.”

Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the church for a memorial service to remember the 55-year-old businessman who passed away on Oct. 13, two and a half months after he was shot by a co-worker at the company he founded, ArrowStream.

LaVoie and his wife Jody were raising three daughters: ages 15, 12 and 9. “Those girls were Steven’s life,” said his sister, Lisa Killian.

LaVoie, who was involved in several local charities, was a giving, compassionate man, said several who attended the memorial service.

“My favorite comment from his cousin was that he would feel sad for us for our pain more than he would feel sad for himself,” Ann Manikas, a Yale classmate of LaVoie’s, told ABC 7 Chicago. “That’s truly what he was like as a man, so he’ll be missed.”

For the last two months, red ribbons have been tied around trees in LaGrange in a show of support for the LaVoie family. After Saturday’s memorial service, friends and family began removing the ribbons together.