MICHAEL DOUGLAS LA CHANCE

Michael Douglas LaChance, age 79, of Aliso Viejo, California, peacefully passed from this life into the loving arms of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on the Sabbath Day, November 16, 2025, at the Providence Mission Hospital Hospice facility in Mission Viejo, CA. Mike's passing was due to complications from pneumonia, a recent stroke, and dementia.

Born on July 27, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Mike was the beloved son of Janis Reis Hughes LaChance and Joseph Donald LaChance. Mike’s life was filled with love and family. He met Kathy in 1993 when they were neighbors, and they quickly formed a deep connection, feeling they had found the loves of their lives. Mike and Kathy wed in Maui, Hawaii, on October 25, 1997. His earlier marriage to Darlene Renaud blessed him with a daughter, Angelique Michelle LaChance. Following their divorce, Mike married Carroll Schultz and welcomed two bonus children, Dutch Schultz and Carrie Alvi, from Carol’s previous marriage. Mike cherished his children dearly.

Mike graduated from Pasadena High School in the Class of 1964 and attended Saddleback College for two years. His passion for music led him to work in a record store during and after high school. Inspired by the mail man as a young boy, Mike began his career with the U.S. Postal Service in Pasadena at age 20. He later transferred to Orange County, working as a mail route carrier and clerk for 35 years before retiring in 2001. Mike also served in the Naval Reserve for four years, stationed in San Diego, CA, and took pride in serving his country.

Mike loved cars, especially powerful, fast ones. He owned an El Camino as a teenager, enjoyed cruising with friends in Pasadena, and later treasured his Mustang GT 5.0. Ford pickup trucks were also among his favorites. Mike was a devoted NASCAR fan, relishing the excitement of the races. He supported the Dodgers and Cardinals in baseball and was passionate about football, particularly the 49ers. Music was another of Mike’s passions, spanning classic rock and roll, country western, and many other genres. He had an uncanny ability to name songs just by hearing them. Mike enjoyed photography, the outdoors, lighthouses, and beautiful sunsets. He was an avid reader, favoring mysteries and history books. Mike’s love for animals was evident, with Maggie McSweeney, a sweet Havanese, holding a special place in his heart.

Mike embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized on November 6, 2006, as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His faith was central in his life, and he deeply loved Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. Mike and Kathy were sealed for time and all eternity in the Newport Beach Temple on July 11, 2009. He actively participated in the Wood Canyon Ward in Aliso Viejo, serving as the building scheduler for the Laguna Niguel Stake for over nine years and preparing the weekly Sunday bulletin for sabbath day meetings. Together with Kathy, Mike enjoyed teaching primary children and helping missionaries, whether meeting with those interested in the gospel or transporting them to transfer meetings in Carlsbad, California. His devotion as a disciple of Jesus Christ was evident in his joyful service to others.

Known as a gentle giant, Mike was always willing to help anyone in need. He was deeply loved and cherished by all who knew him. Mike was a wonderful, loving husband, father,

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy LaChance; daughter, Angel Gonzales (and son-in-law, Ed); daughter, Carrie Alvi; son, Dutch Schultz (and spouse, Karyn); grandchildren Jacob Gonzales (Danika), Sarah Metcalf (Jordan), Bethany Chavez (Heron), Noah Gonzales (Victoria), Tyler Morabito, Sophia Alvi, Serena Alvi, Adam Alvi; great-grandchildren Josiah Metcalf, Boone Herschel, Timothy Metcalf, Mateo Chavez, Dominic Chavez; 21 nephews, 20 nieces, and 9 brothers and sisters-in-law.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Janis and Joseph LaChance; brothers Joseph Jr. LaChance, James David LaChance, and Mark Stephan LaChance; and his grandfather, David Hughes.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 22851 Aliso Creek Road, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656. Burial will follow at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park, 11500 Arlington, Riverside, CA 92505.

Pallbearers: Ryan Abeyta, Tyler Pokorski, Jake Morris, Jacob Gonzales, Noah Gonzales, and Ed Gonzales.

Honorary Pallbearers: Rob Morris, Michael Morris, Kevin Wheat, Kyle Pokorski, Jordan Metcalf, and Heron Chavez.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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