Dale Thomas (""DT"") LaVercombe Painter Dies at 57

Producing hundreds of oil paintings and drawings capturing the beauty of places people and things with an optimism and joy he felt in the vivid colors of a life lived with kindness and wonder Dale Thomas "DT" LaVercombe died suddenly in his sleep on Jan. 5 2010 at his home in Palm Coast FL at the age of 57.

Born in Grand Haven MI the first of three sons to David W. and Helen LaVercombe he grew up in the Midwest and discovered his passions for both fine and culinary arts while still in high school.

Studying art at Western Michigan University an abstract expressionist landscape oil painter he received a B.F.A. in 1975. In 1980 he moved to Denver CO and established a commercial graphic arts studio with his college buddy and lifelong friend CA Boyer.

Returning to Grand Haven in the mid-1990s DT met his wife Amy Lake. DT owned an art gallery restaurants a movie theater and a successful children's theater company called Kids at Play. Moving to Hayesville NC in 2000 DT focused on his culinary skills creating original experiences to delight the senses and was compiling a cookbook (yet unpublished).

In 2007 the couple moved to Florida where DT passionately reengaged in painting inspired as always by the sense of place the play of light the moment in time in which to linger delighted a beautiful counterbalance to his outrage at cruelty and injustice.

His survivors include his wife Amy Lake mother Helen LaVercombe son Elliott daughter-in-law Lindsay son Maddison brothers Don (wife Jodie) and Dave (wife Tammy) daughter Cheryl Hagyard her husband (Chuck) four beloved grandchildren and many nieces and nephews best friend Christopher A. Boyer and many fans around the world.

DT believed that a successful life was manifested in "a body of work". Therefore the family requests that those caring to honor him visit his website www.dtlavercombe.com make a donation or purchase a print and share the joy of his successful life as evidenced by his extensive body of work. The Family will be celebrating his life on Sunday January 10 2010 at Amy and DT's home. For more information please visit www.dtlavercombe.com.

In lieu of sending flowers and to defray the rising costs of expenses please donate or purchase his artwork through his website www.dtlavercombe.com. You may also contact the family directly at dt@dtlavercombe.com