After a life-long struggle with asthma, Rock Francis LaCross had found hope in a new procedure-bronchial thermoplasty. After the first treatment, Rock was breathing better than he had for years. After the third and final procedure, Rock suffered from additional complications which took a toll on his already weakened body. Rock passed away April 2, 2015 in Burbank, CA.
Rock was born in Baker, Montana on January 9, 1959 to Francis and Julie LaCross. His fight with asthma began at three months of age. This fight created a man of strong convictions, and a never-give-up attitude.
Rock proudly played football quarterback and basketball for the Baker Spartans and played basketball for the Montana Grizzlies. He was so very proud of these accomplishments for he had gained the upper hand over his illness.
After earning his degree in business, Rock began earning his licenses to become a financial planner and stock broker. He worked for Charles Schwab as the senior advisor of the institutional trading desk working with millions of dollars on a daily basis.
Rock began working for Merrill Edge in Ojai, CA as Assistant Vice President/Associate Administrative Manager in 2011 and continued to work there until his health prevented him from continuing in 2013.
Being a man of convictions, Rock made many enemies and many friends. Whether he met you yesterday or twenty years ago, he always greeted you by name with energy, and sincerity. As a John Wayne fan, Rock patterned his life on Wayne's uncompromising ideals.
"A man's got to have a code, a creed, to live by" - John Wayne. Rock's code was this: never give up; work hard; love family and friends; honor country; remember there is no battle too great to fight.
Rock also had the honor and privilege of working as a docent at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library where one of his favorite rolls was playing the part of Santa Claus!
His dream was to be healthy enough to return to Montana to fly fish in the Gallatin, where he spent many hours enjoying the serenity and beauty of the state he loved.
Unknown to most, Rock was the "Quiet Man Giving" who donated to many organizations and strangers in need. He often gave his Griz tickets to a vet or to the Griz Kids Organization. His sentimentality was not always recognized by others because of his strong personality, but those who knew him well admired him for it.
Rock is survived by the love of his life, Cheryl Burns of Oxnard, CA; two sisters, Judeann Watson (Dan) of Fairbanks, AK; Sheila Haselhuhn (Monty) of Laurel, MT; a brother, Lon LaCross (Monica) of Baker, MT; two nieces, Heather Houston of Fairbanks, AK, and Mandie Clark of Billings, MT; and five nephews: Dru Watson, Fairbanks, AK; Seth Haselhuhn of Clarksville, TN, Mike Loutzenhiser of Baker, MT; Sylvan LaCross of Baker, MT; and Logan LaCross of Burbank, CA. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews and many life-long friends.
Memorials can be made to the American Lung Association.
Cremation has taken place and a family celebration is planned for this summer.
Breathe deep, soar free, and fish those heavenly streams! Go Griz!
Funeral Services are private and under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.