This past Sunday over 50 people attended the dedication of Alternatives’ newest residential program in Uxbridge to the memory of Richard Lavallee. Many of those who attended, including neighbors and Lavallee family and friends arrived on motorcycles in honor of Richard.

Richard and his wife Rita had just finished building their dream home when Richard was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident this past summer. Alternatives, a non-profit human services agency, recently purchased the property as a residence for seven adults with psychiatric disabilities.

“Although we miss Richard,” said Dennis Rice Executive Director of Alternatives, “we are dedicating this beautiful home that he and Rita built in celebration of Richards Life. Their dream home will now become home for individuals we serve. Through its warmth and supportive environment, it will contribute to their dreams as they travel their road to recovery.”

Tom Younkin, a new resident of the home, thanked the Lavallee family. “We all truly appreciate the measure of love, care and hard work he gave in creating this beautiful house in which we now have the privilege to live.” Mr. Younkin continued, “We also appreciate the efforts of all the staff at Alternatives who have helped us move into this house, and helped turn it into a home. From all of us, who live in Lavallee House, thank you.” He also read a poem he had written and gave a framed copy to Rita Lavallee.

Speaking for the Lavallee family, Richard’s neice, Kim Ladoucer said, “He was a man who took all the hardships he faced in his life and turned them into his own ‘pots of gold.’” He built his own dreams for his life and worked as hard as could be to accomplish them. This house is part of everything he dreamed. All of us in the Lavallee family want to thank Alternatives for recognizing those dreams and dedicating this house, a representation of Richard’s hard work, to our beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.”

A brass plaque was unveiled at the end of the ceremony by Rita Lavallee’s family. Raymond Lavallee, Richard’s son read it to the audience, “He who has done his best for his own time, has lived for all times – Friedrich von Schiller.”

Following the dedication, the group of 35 motorcyclists took to the road for a two hour ride honoring Richard. The Lavallee family hopes to make this celebration an annual event and include the residents of Lavallee House in their activities.