The Passing of Two Old Friends!

Two long time friends from back in my political days died this week.  I began my Louisiana State Senate career by making a long association with Jefferson Parish Senator Hank Lauricella. Hank was a former Heisman Trophy runner-up at Tennessee who went on to serve more than three decades as a Louisiana state legislator.  He was 83.

Hank was a single-wing tailback at Tennessee from 1949-51. He finished second to Princeton’s Dick Kazmaier in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1951 while leading Tennessee to a national title.  He was a gentleman’s gentleman with a real competitive edge. My wife’s family has been in business with Hank and his family for a number of years. We will sure miss him.

Dick was a State Representative from  “down on the bayou” in Lafourche Parish, and he too started off we me in the legislature.  Dick was smart, funny, and a joy to work with.  He supported me in just about every statewide race I was in, and never let a moment pass to remind me that he was the one who got me elected.  I too will miss Dick.