Canadian Linen GM Passes On – 3-Gen Legacy

Douglas LaRocque, 68, a recently retired general manager for Canadian Linen and Uniform Service Co. passed away on Sept. 14, according to company officials.

“I am very sorry to announce the sudden passing of longtime Canadian Linen employee Doug LaRocque,” said Andrew Steiner, a fourth-generation family owner and senior vice president of Canadian operations. “Doug had a long and successful career in our company and recently retired from his role as GM of the London (Ontario) branch. He will be missed by his family, friends and former colleagues, many of which he brought into the company and helped advance into leadership roles.”

LaRocque joined Canadian Linen in 1974, and he spent 43 years with the company, Steiner said. LaRocque held a number of posts, including customer services representative (CSR), customer service manager (CSM) and service center manager (SCM) – as well as general manager at the company’s glove reconditioners location and at the Windsor and London branches of Canadian Linen. “Doug’s father Paul worked for the company for more than 40 years, and his son currently works at the London branch as a CSR,” Steiner said.

Doug had a significant impact on the company during his tenure, Steiner added. In particular, he’s remembered for bringing many talented people into the organization and helping them achieve success. “Many of his hires took on key leadership roles throughout the organization and the ‘ripple effect’ of his leadership has had a lasting impact on the company and the industry,” Steiner said. “We thank Doug for his long and dedicated service to our company and the Steiner family.”  

Survivors include his wife Carol, daughters Aimee (Steve), Rachelle (Jason) and Rene; a son, Douglas Jr.; grandson Ryan; siblings Jacquelyn (Steven); Diane, Paula, Dale (Kathy), Cheryl and Michelle. A memorial service was held on Sept. 20 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations in Doug’s memory to The Salvation Army Center of Hope or the London Food Bank.