Michael Laderoute

Michael Jean Laderoute (age 72), our beloved husband and father, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 6, 2025, after a serious accident while riding his electric scooter earlier in the week. His wife of 50 years, Barbara (Timmins), their two adult children, Jeffrey (45) and Kelly (47), and his son-in-law, James Longmire, were all by his side during his final moments.

Michael lived life on his own terms, exuding an outspoken personality, a passion for life, and an endless stream of antics. He was a lively and spirited 72-year-old. He loved wine, beer, bourbon, and food and always enjoyed a good party. He was a frequent visitor and advocate to many local wineries, distilleries and breweries in and around Charlottesville, where he found friendship in the owners, staff, and even fellow patrons along the way. He also cherished the times he spent with Barb exploring the country in their RV, recently fulfilling a lifelong dream of traveling across the USA.

Mike was also most proud of his children, Jeff and Kelly, and shared a special bond with each of them. He never missed an important moment in their lives and made every effort to spend as much time with them as possible. Jeff and Mike shared weekly “happy hours,” where they would solve the world’s problems over bourbon and long hours around the fire pit or in the hot tub. Kelly delighted in introducing him to fun new activities and outings in the DC area and Mike beamed with pride as he escorted her down the aisle in the Fall of 2023. They all shared numerous inside jokes, playful banter, and always found amusement in even the most ridiculous or challenging of situations. 

The family had an impromptu weekend together just before Mike’s accident. It was simply the "perfect" weekend, and this lasting memory has provided great solace and peace during this difficult time.

In his remarkable 72 years, Mike achieved numerous and significant milestones. As a young teen in Lowell, Massachusetts, he sustained severe burns on his hands from a grease fire. This event fueled his passion for fire safety and became the driving force to begin his career in fire protection at an early age. At the same time, he also discovered a talent for square-dancing, honing his skills in “caller’s college” and becoming a professional square dance caller in his spare time away from fire protection. His demand through the 1970s and 80s was so great that he was fully booked for nine years in advance throughout the Eastern seaboard.

Mike’s illustrious career in fire protection spanned over five decades, making significant contributions to the fire protection industry along the way. His journey began with installing, servicing, and selling fire extinguishers and suppression systems throughout the Northeast and eventually across the country. But his dedication, passion and hard work made him an instrumental figure and industry resource at-large. He was a popular trainer and one of the most sought-after guest speakers at industry-related conferences across North America for both fire equipment providers and code enforcement authorities alike. He provided expert testimony in many fire-related court cases and held a US Patent for his innovative fire extinguisher nozzle design. He also served on a variety of committees for both the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). His work on fire codes and industry standards continue to impact many facets of fire protection to this day, as well as “safety to life” in general. His expertise and achievements earned him numerous awards and immense respect from his peers, as well as countless friends along the way.

Mike was also deeply connected to several state and national organizations, including the National Association of State Fire Marshals, the Fire Equipment Manufacturer’s Association, and the National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors (NAFED) to name just a few. In 2006, Mike was deeply moved to be the recipient of NAFED’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his “invaluable contributions and outstanding service to the fire protection industry”. Mike’s career journey took an unexpected twist when, in 2015, he was asked to appear as a special guest on Worldwide Business with Kathy Ireland. Despite his initial confusion about her identity, he ultimately charmed both her and the audience alike with his wit, humor, and expertise. 

Mike was just getting the hang of retired life, having stepped down from his role as President of Globe Technologies in the Spring of 2024. However, filled with his continued passion coupled with a dream opportunity to finally do something together, Mike had recently begun a key advisor role with his son Jeff’s fire system design and consulting company. Jeff’s business partner Tim was also a close personal friend and industry colleague of Mike’s. All those big ideas and bourbon-infused shop talk amongst the trio might finally become a reality.

Tragically, Mike’s life was cut short, leaving behind an immeasurable void that we can never fill. As we grapple with this loss, we cherish the lasting impact Mike had on all our lives. He was a force to be reckoned with and his presence was undeniable. Even in the face of this tragedy, his memory and legacy continue to bring us comfort and peace . . . and lives on through all those who knew and loved him.

In accordance with Mike’s wishes, he will be cremated, and a Celebration of Life is likely to be held this summer.

In lieu of flowers, we would be honored for you to share a favorite story or memory of Mike. Your words of remembrance will help provide solace and serve as a cherished keepsake for our family. We also extend our deepest gratitude to our Broken Island neighbors, Fluvanna County first responders as well as UVA Medical Center for the exceptional care, compassion, and respect they showed during Mike’s final hours. The unwavering dedication of the numerous doctors and nursing staff brought immense comfort to us all.

“My Way” - Frank Sinatra

And now, the end is near

And so, I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this 

I did it my way.