Charles Phillip Lavallee, 77, died of natural causes on Nov. 26, 2005. Chuck was born March 23, 1928, in Williston, Vt., the son of Arthur and Azilda (Roux) Lavallee, and lived his early years in Vermont and Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, at the age of 16, he began playing piano professionally. At 22, he joined the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Two years later, Chuck decided to pursue a career in music. He went on to receive his bachelorÕs degree from Boston University, his masterÕs degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his doctorate from the University of North Texas. Dr. Lavallee moved to California with his wife, Rita, in 1958 and was a resident of Apple Valley for the past 41 years. Dr. Lavallee worked in the High Desert from 1960 to 2005 as a guidance counselor and general education teacher but is best known for his work as a music teacher at Hesperia Junior High School, Victor Valley High School, Hook Junior High School, Hesperia High School, Victor Valley College, Cobalt Middle School and Excelsior Education Center. He was a member of St. Joan of Arc Church in Victorville. Dr. Lavallee was preceded in death by his wife and best friend of 48 years, Rita Perla Lavallee; brothers Gerard, Albert, Conrad, Paul, Andrew, John and Herman; and sister Rose. He is survived by his daughter, Lynn Fox, and his grandson, Jacob Fox, both of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters Lillian, Aline, Dorothy, Terry, Madeleine and Marie and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, most living in the New England states. Viewing will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Kern Memorial Chapel in Victorville. The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Joan of Arc Church in Victorville. Dr. (and Mrs.) Lavallee will be laid to rest later next week at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. LavalleeÕs name to Habitat for Humanity online at www.habitat.org/donation, or by calling your local affiliate. Kern Memorial Chapel is handling arrangements.