Br. James Lacasse

Marcel Lacasse (in religion, Brother James), 91, died Monday, April 16, 2018 at Maine Medical Hospital in Portland during a two-day hospitalization. He was one of ten children born of Lucien and Desneiges (Nadeau) Lacasse in Waterville, ME on Dec. 17, 1926.Marcel got to know the Brothers of Christian Instruction while attending St. Francis Elementary School in Waterville. His religious formation began when he entered the juniorate in Alfred, ME on March 19, 1939. He made his novitiate in La Prairie, QC (1942-43), some 75 years ago which he celebrated last June, Perpetual vows were pronounced on 7-2-1948 in Alfred.He was a 1952 graduate of LaMennais College - the Brothers' scholasticate in Alfred, ME. He earned graduate degrees in education (Boston College, 1958) and in mathematics (Univ. of Detroit, 1963.)He started his teaching career as an elementary school teacher at St. Peter's in Plattsburgh, NY (1 year) and at St. Ignatius Sanford, ME for three years (1947-50). He was a very popular high school teacher assigned to Mt. Assumption H.S. in Plattsburgh, NY (1950-60), Msgr. Prevost H.S. in Fall River, MA for one year (1960-61) and three years at Cathedral H.S. in Detroit, MI (1961-64.)In 1964 he contracted to be the Dean of Students at Walsh College (now University) in Canton, Ohio where with his firm, gentle and solicitous handling of students, Walsh fared well during the turbulent 1960s. He moved on to serve as Registrar and Director of Financial Aid. In Ohio, BJ was much esteemed by his colleagues, known for his generous and compassionate attention to Walsh students, staff and faculty. He issued news bulletins with his "rumor has it" and consoled people with his "Worry pas."As his means of relaxing he served as head coach of Walsh's men's golf team. During his 29 years in this role he accumulated 1723 victories, 12 Mid-Ohio Conference crowns and five NAIA national appearances. He was named 11 times the "Coach of the Year" by the MOC 11 and District 22 "Coach of the Year" 3 times.On December 17, 1995 Walsh University awarded him its Distinguished Service Medal for 31 years of tireless dedication to students and faculty, exemplified by his character, sense of humor and persevering faith in the Lord. When the Health and Wellness Complex was dedicated in the spring of 2007, BJ was present at the naming of the Br. James Lacasse Lobby, made possible by a generous donation from the WU Golf Team alumni.Brother James enjoyed two religious sabbaticals: a second novitiate on the Isle of Jersey early 1961 and a renewal session in Castell Gandolfo, Italy in the spring of 1992. For decades he held administrative positions internal to his congregation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction (25 years as province bursar with membership on the provincial council) and beloved local religious superior, handling his responsibilities with tact, equanimity and compassion.In 1995 the kind, gentle and helpful religious retired to the Brothers' retirement center on the Notre Dame campus to serve as its superior until health issues compelled him to yield most of his responsibilities. He remained a faithful, prayerful and dedicated religious throughout his final years marked with the trials of physical challenges.He was predeceased by his parents, three sisters Rollande Therrien, Sr. Jacqueline Lacasse, OSU and Doris Dumais as well as by twin brothers Henri Louis and Henri Paul Lacasse and Jacques Lacasse. A sibling died at birth. He is survived by a sister Geraldine Lacasse of Rochester, NH and brother Bertrand Lacasse of CA. He enjoyed great relations with many nieces and nephews and their children.Br. James is greatly missed not only by his family but especially by his confreres among the Brothers, all of whom benefitted from his services, companionship and prayers.A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21 at 10:30 AM in the Notre Dame Chapel in Alfred, followed by interment in the Brothers' Cemetery. Rev. Brother Ted Letendre will preside. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Brothers' Retirement Fund can be made in his memory (c/o Br. Daniel Caron, PO Box 159, Alfred, ME 040020)Arrangements are under the direction of Black Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale.