William Carl "Bill" LaVanche

LaVANCHE, William "Bill" Carl, age 65, of Miami Township, OH, passed on October 15, 2023. After bravely battling multiple health challenges, he died peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born in Dayton, Ohio to loving parents, the late Dorothy (Schrader) and James LaVanche. He was a graduate of Alter High School, class of 1976, where he played football and baseball. He obtained both his Bachelor of Arts degree and two Masters degrees in Education and Counseling at the University of Dayton, where he met his beloved wife and soulmate, Mary (Virkus).

As a licensed clinical counselor (LPCC) for 30 years, Bill was always dedicated to his clients. Even as his health was failing, he continued to provide empathy, compassion and insight. Bill was a loving, gentle man who contributed greatly to his clients' well-being, as he did with his family and friends. His kindness and peaceful presence will always be remembered by those who loved him. He liked to see the humor in things, loved to have fun and lived life fully. Bill sometimes tested the limits and earned the title, "Maximizing Bill", from his friends. With his wife Mary, whom he adored, he loved traveling abroad and locally, cruising and exploring, watching sports of all kinds - especially the UD Flyers and Bengals, and golfing.

A student of Eastern philosophies, he was in awe of the beauty in nature and the vastness of the cosmos. He was grateful for his life and those in it and created and patented the term TGT - Thank God Therapy - that by expressing gratitude daily, one's life would be more joyful. One of his last messages to his family was "Life is a ride...ride it well."

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his Aunt Kathryn and Uncle Emory Crowder. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Mary; his sisters Kathy LaVanche (Mickey Cohn), Jan (John) Garske and Laura (Dave) Gleason; step-daughter Alison Clem and sons Colin and Ben; step-son Marc Virkus (Deb) and son Max; nieces Audrey Dickerson and family, Elissa Macaulay and family; nephews Drew Gleason and Trevor Garske;Aunt Irma Potchak and a host of close cousins and friends.

Visitation with the family will be held from 2-4 pm on October 29, 2023 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd, in Kettering. A celebration of life will follow at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. While battling his many challenges with cancer, Jim Valvano, an inspirational and legendary basketball coach, focused on others more than himself. Likewise, Bill placed his energy through his last days on his wife, family and friends. Donations in Bill's memory can be sent online to https://V.ORG/DONATE or mailed to the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513. 100% of your gift will be used to fund all types of cancer research nationwide.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.routsong.com.