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John Laurent Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Laurent
Albert Thomas
October 27, 2024
Dr. Laurent was my Neurosurgeon at the very young age of four years old and again at thirteen. I'm thirty seven now, and can truly see God had a purpose for my life. I have a family of my own, a career. I had a AVM and was definitely facing certain death. I was too young to remember the pre-surgery at four. But I do remember at thirteen the day of my second surgery. I told Dr. Laurent's team, that can't touch me till they form a circle around me and pray for me lol. God spared my life twice through Dr. Laurant and though he's gone, I want his family to know I'm thankful for what he did for me.
ILEANA CARBAJAL
September 14, 2022
God bless you Dr Laurent! I am reading about your passing and I'm so sad to hear that you are gone, but not forgotten! You gave me life again at the age of 14-16 ( 1984-1986) and I will always be grateful to you and condolences to your family and I just want to let you know thank you, thank you, thank you for performing A Miracle On Me! I was 14 when I had a AVM arterial venus malformation and I had it again at 15 and then at 16, you were so gracious to my folks and me! I had major AVM brain surgery on July 22, 1986.... along with Dr William Cheek and it was a 50/50 chance that I would make it....but you helped me survive, thank you so much for all you have done for me and to all the children at Texas Children Hospital! God bless you and your family... My folks & I will always keep you in my memory and in my prayers along with your family!
-Ileana Carbajal, S. Texas (age 52).
Lindsay Kloehr
December 1, 2004
My husband and I found out about Dr. Laurent's passing from our neurologist Dr. Zeller. Our one week old daughter was born with a brachial plexus injury. When I asked about other professionals in the area that dealt with this, he informed us then of the passing. Even though we never had a chance to meet Dr. Laurent, we are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. We pray that your family is comforted in the coming days...and especially during the holidays. May God keep you all safe. Sincerely,
The Kloehr's
Patricia Zertuche
November 16, 2004
My prayers are with the Laurent family. I thank god for giving Dr. Laurent a talent and a wonderful heart to help so many childern, including my daughter. I will always look at her and know that she was given a gift also.
Judy/Al Thomas
November 15, 2004
Patty, et al,
Words cannot express our sorrow. Dad was so happy about your visit!! You & your children are in our embrace. Right now you just need hugs; next your wonderful memories! The pain will never go away entirely, but the legacy of Jack/Dad/husband will comfort you.
Damn Patty,
Dad was so happy about your visit w him. He said it was a wonderful surprise!!
Al & I love you & are thinking of you & your children!
Brenda Copeland-Moore
November 12, 2004
Your family and the BPI Community are in our prayers. May God Bless and Keep You! I set up a little Memorial Picture Page for Dr. Laurent on: http://www.angelfire.com/wi3/lauren t/memory/
Philip,Lisa and Zane Wallace
November 10, 2004
My family met Dr. Laurent back in July of 2002. Thank god we did. My son today, after two surgeries is able to raise his arm above his head and grasp objects with his hand. We are very grateful for Dr. Laurent and the brachial plexus staff. Our love and prayers are with him and his family. He was a wonderful man.
Cecily Archuletta
November 9, 2004
My family and I met Dr. Laurent just once for a consultation for our daughter, and needless to say it took just one meeting to categorize Dr. Laurent as a one in a million. He was friendly, sensitive, and honest, traits mimicked by few. My prayers are with his family, and my thanks are to the lord for lending us his angel for the time he did.
Cathy Gross
November 9, 2004
We send our love and sympathy to the Laurent family at this time. What a wonderful man Dr. Laurent was. Our son had 2 surgeries with Dr. Laurent in Houston. In my mind all I can see is Dr.Laurent's constant smile and loving warmth for every patient he cared for. We were honored to have had him here in our home on 10/9/2000 for an appreciation party for Dr.Laurent and Lisa Davis for National Brachial Plexus Awareness Week. What an honor to have known him. Thank-you Dr. Laurent for everything you did to make our son's life wonderful. ( Cole Gross)
Natalie Jacoby
November 7, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Laurent family. It has been an honor to know such a gifted blessing. God really blessed him with a gift that has changed so many lives. May God bless you and your family.
Julia Price
November 7, 2004
My path first crossed Dr. Laurent's in the halls of TCH in the early 1980's, little did I realize what an impact this remarkable man would have on my family. Having left Houston and the halls of TCH in 1998, I no longer crossed his path to receive his hallway wisdom or hear the latest news of his beloved Patricia, Nicole or Cushman. This summer brought an opportunity for me to reflect on Jack and his wonderful surgical skills which include an ability to care for most fragile of patients and their family. You see, my 21-yr. old cousin was born with Cruzon's and had her first surgery in early infancy by Jack. Over the next 12 years, she underwent multiple surgical procedures by Jack and the skilled teams of Neurosurgery and Plastic Surgery at TCH. Throughout the entire process, Jack assured me, she would be fine and grow into a beautiful and smart young woman. This summer, my cousin resided with me while she worked as a summer research intern for a world-renowed expert in hypertropic cardiomyopathy. I realized Jack was right, she is not only beautiful but expremely intelligent, motivated, and has a passion to leave this world a better place than she found it. Needless to say, on a daily basis I was reminded of just how remarkable Jack was a surgeon, but I was also reminded of the kindness and support he extended to me throughout her surgical process. As summer drew to a close, AJB returned to finish her senior year and to ready herself for medical school. After driving home from the airport, I thought of Jack and promised myself, the next time I visit Houston, I want to look him up and say thank you....unfortunately, the opportunity has been lost forever. The news of Jack's death was conveyed to me by your former neighbor and my adopted "aunt", and a sense saddness fills my soul. Please know, I am grateful to have known the remarkable surgeon you so lovingly called Husband and Father, all of our lives were enriched by his presence. Jack left this world a better place, not only by his remarkable skills as a surgeon, but by his devotion to his family. Heaven has a new bright and shining star and the world has lost one of its best! You are remembered in this time of loss, may God comfort you and give you strength.
Jennifer & Morgan Strauss
November 5, 2004
Jack and his wife Patricia have been very close friends of our father and stepmother for decades. So much so, that stories of the time our parents spent with the Laurents have long held a special place in our own family lore.
We have read each of the entries below, including Ms. Turner’s 11/3/04 account of being reassured that her son would not require surgery and simply had a “big head”, just like Jack’s. In reading this, our first thought was, “Of course’s Jack’s head was big. Where else could he possibly store that big brain of his?” We smiled, albeit briefly, as this thought passed through our minds.
In contrast, it goes without saying that Jack’s enormous heart and brilliant spirit were, and always will be, boundless.
He was truly one of a kind.
Terri Collins
November 5, 2004
I am so greatful to have had the opportunity to know Dr. Laurent; he has had such a positive influence on so many. I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.
God Bless!
Lauren Gomez
November 4, 2004
I met Dr. Laurent when I was 13 years old. I was referred to him by a friend. I owe him my life. At 13 I was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was deemed inoperable. Dr. Laurent advised my parents to pray and to keep faith in him, he would find a way to help. And luckily, his faith in God and me did help me through. Several years later, I happened to see him at my job at Teas. It was always a pleasure to tell my co-workers about how I owed my life to him. And he loved to tell me about how his bat houses helped keep mosquitoes away, I never really believed him, but hey he had a doctorate so who was I to argue. I am surprised to learn I am the same age as his daughters. That explains a lot of his compassion for the parents of the children he worked with, including mine. He never gave up hope. Now, after being told I would not live longer than 3 months after my 13th birthday, it has been 10 years, almost 11, and I am still here. Thank you Dr. Laurent! And may God comfort your family as you did mine! God bless you all!
David Ho The H-H Group
November 4, 2004
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We will definitely keep you in our thoughts and in our prayers. God Bless!
Mike, Teresa, Michael, & Gabriel York
November 4, 2004
We send this with our deepest sympathy to the Laurent Family.
He was a truely honest and forth right physician. The BPI community has lost a great man.
May the memory of his smile give strength to his family during this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
Ryan Partridge
November 4, 2004
I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Laurent through a friend when I was a sophomore at the University of Houston. I always had the dream of becoming a neurosurgeon when I was a little boy, but really had no idea as to what that really meant. When I told Dr. Laurent that I dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon he asked me how he could help. I told him that I would be extremely grateful if he would let me shadow himsef and his partner Dr. Dauser. From that day on and for the next three years I shadowed the two physicians during the summer and any spare time I had. I spent many days going on rounds and watching him operate. He was a natural at teaching; he had the gift of being able to explain most everything in a way that was approachable to the laymen.
After reading most of the guest book entries I have noticed that not many people know about his work with children outside of the disease setting. Dr. Laurent and I began a small mentoring program based upon the experiences that I had with him. I went to Dr. Laurent and asked if he would be willing to head-up a program that would allow high school students interested in the medical profession the opportunity to shadow physicians. Dr Laurent though it a great idea and quickly gave me the list of other physicians that would be interested. Over the four years we ran the program Dr. Laurent touched the lives of many healthy children. Dr. Laurent enjoyed the opportunity to see passion in another’s eyes.
I will miss him dearly as he was truly like a second father to me. My prayers and thoughts go out to Mrs. Laurent and his two children.
Valerie Herrera
November 4, 2004
It was an honor and privilege to work with Dr. Laurent. His smile and warm heart made him very special. My fondest memory was the interview he granted me regarding his bats for one of my shows at Texas Children's Radio Lollipop. The children still remember "Dr. Batman" and enjoyed the information he shared. Blessings to Dr. Laurent's family.
DIANA PETERSON
November 4, 2004
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS
TO THE FAMILY OF DR. LAURENT.
EVERYTIME I SAW DR LAURENT IN THE
HALLS OF TCH HE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE
ON HIS FACE. HE TOUCHED THE LIVES
OF SO MANY CHILDREN, HE WILL BE
MISSED VERY MUCH.
Laura Williams
November 4, 2004
Dear Laurent family,
My thoughts and love are with you during this sad time. I am also thinking now of all the wonderful times, fun, and laughter we had over so many Christmas dinners. I will always remember these warm times fondly and dearly.
Much love, Laura Williams
Mike &Kelly Day
November 3, 2004
Dr.Laurent was a special man that God touched through his hands. My son, Matthew Day is his miracle. My three year old son, who has Hydrocephalus and multiple ventricular cysts, has a normal life thanks to him. His smile had a way of making everyone feel that everything was fine. The worst thing is my son wont be able to meet him. To the family of Dr.Laurent, and to the other families that he has touched, please keep his memory alive by telling our children and grandchildren about the man that gave them a chance. My son will know about the man that touched his life and ours forever.
Pedro Caram
November 3, 2004
It is with sadness and happiness at the same time recalling the late nights operating with Dr. Laurent at TCH. I will always remember what he taught me and will ry to pass on the knowledge he freely gave.
My prayers are with Mrs. Laurent and the family during this time.
Alexa Canady
November 3, 2004
Through the many years of ASPN George and I have always enjoyed Jacks quick wit and good conversation
James and Marcy Cashion
November 3, 2004
Our deepest sympathies to the Laurent family. We were truly blessed to have had a chance to meet Dr. Laurent and have him place his hands upon our little Claire. Thank you Dr. Laurent for giving Claire a chance for a better tomorrow. May you rest in peace. We will miss you.
Terri Turner
November 3, 2004
Dr. Laurent is the only Dr. that gave us any hope that our son did not need a shunt for hydrocephalus. He told us he just had a "big head" like some people had big feet. He saw our son at 4 months old, 3 years old and the last time at 6 yrs old. All of these times after being sent by different doctors who said he needed a shunt. Dr. Laurent saw him for the last time when he was 6 yrs old and gave my husband and myself his business card to show whomever gave us concerns over the size of our son's head the card and tell them he had been seen and "Dr. Laurent said he was fine and just had a big head". That was 10 years ago and our son is fixing to turn seventeen and has never had any kind of neourological problems! Our son's feet soon grew to catch up with his head. He wears a size 16 shoe! The last thing Dr. Laurent said to me was "Go enjoy your son and quit worrying, I should know a big head when I see one, look at mine!" He always took time with a me as a distressed and scared mother who thought her son was going to die. I still carry his card in my wallet because he gave me hope that everything was going to be fine. He was and still is, through his legacy, one of God's truest blessings to this earth. I will keep his entire family in my prayers, praying that you may be comforted and find peace with your loss. He was a great man.
Terri L. Turner
Houston, Texas
Mel, Claudette,&Cameron Hardy
November 3, 2004
It saddens our hearts to know such a gifted and wonderful doctor/surgeon has passed on. Dr.Laurent was the first doctor Cameron saw at age 7 mths. Dr.Laurent and Dr. Robert Dauser worked a miracle on our son and now he is a healed, healthy 10 year old boy. We owe our son's life to the skill and knowledge of Dr.Laurent's team at TCH Neuro Dept. He will be horribly missed.
Thanks for sharing your god given skill/talent with our family.
The Hardy's
Patricia Ovesny
November 3, 2004
It was my sincere please to work with Dr. Laurent for the last 2 years. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful doctor, always with a kind word or joke. I will truly miss seeing and taking to him everyday. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
margaret washington
November 3, 2004
Sadden But Happy.
It sadden our hearts to learn you passed away,but your love and work is here to stay your mission here on gods earth is all done now so Dr.Laurent go ahead and take your bow.you done your work and done your best now the time has come for you to rest.you left your mark to those who worked under you to let them know just what to do.we are so happy to have gotten the chance to meet you back in 1999 when you did our daughter Tamarah's first surgery.so if we get say all we have to do is just look at our daughter and think of you.so Laurent family you don't have anything to be sad about just know that your Husband and Father was well Loved!! all around.it's okay to share a little tear or two just look inside your heart and know that he's right there with you.so rest on now Dr. Laurent you are with God now as we all know so sit back and look down and watch all your children grow.you would always be apart of us because you have left your mark. To the Family be strong and hold on to what he has abided in you all.God Bless and Peace be with you. MUCH LOVE THE WASHINGTON'S.
Frank Stowell
November 3, 2004
Dear Mrs. Laurent,
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. Dr. Laurent was loved by so many and he will be greatly missed.
Warmest regards,
Frank
Yulander Taylor
November 3, 2004
Nest are made to fly from.
Now the time is come that you might be aloft,
Seeking other clouds and stars to call your own.
Once, I could provide your sky and bring in suns
When moons had been long overcast;
But now, the spring is yours and autumn is my plight.
Could I but keep you for another fledgling time, I would not,
Lest your wings become like weights or waxen, like an lcarus,
and you would fear the grandeur of the turbulent winds.
*this is a poem I found in Dr. Laurent's office
Deborah Helmlinger
November 3, 2004
Mrs. Laurent and Family,
I worked for Dr Laurent in collections @ Scurlock Tower since 1995 and Dr Laurent was always very nice to me. Just 2 weeks ago he called me to welcome me back from my vacation and to tell me he missed me. I will miss him.
My condolences amd prayers go with all the Laurent family in your loss. Thank you Dr. Laurent for being a caring Doctor.
Deborah Helmlinger
Jim and Nano Cox
November 3, 2004
Our deepest sympathy to the Laurent family. we fondly remember Jack for tennis days at the Briar Club. He will be missed.
Laurie Mitchell
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent will be greatly missed. Mrs. Laurent, I will keep you in my prayers.
Taylor Hardin
November 2, 2004
He was a great doctor. I had him for 17 years. If not for him,I don't know what would have happened. He'll be missed.
Alison & Sam Bhatti
November 2, 2004
We are very sad to learn about Dr. Laurent's passing. He was a gifted, and compassionate surgeon that has made our son's life much better. He will be greatly be missed. Peace be with Dr. Laurent. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Robyn Hardin
November 2, 2004
You were an angel on earth, a blessing sent by God. You gave me hope and my daughter life. My prayers are with your family and loved ones.
Jean Muse RN
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent and family--my prayers and thoughts are with you this day. The Emergency Center and its patients will forever miss your smile and caring attitude. Your legacy will live forever in the care you gave your patients.
Yvonne Horner
November 2, 2004
I thank God every day for Dr. Laurent for without him I would not have my beautiful 17 year old granddaughter. He saved her lift many times and we will never forget him. He had such a way with his patients as well as their parents. He never forgot a name and always acted as though he had no other patients. The children whom he treated with spina bifida and those to come will miss him and his skills greatly.
May God bless him and his family in these trying times.
Rodney and Martha Parker
November 2, 2004
Dr Laurent made a difference in our lives when he took great care of our son 11 years ago. His work was truly a miracle. Especially for those who thought there was no hope for our children. He will never be forgotten.
Ginny Stegent, R.N.
November 2, 2004
My sincere condolences to Dr. Laurent's family. Over the years I have had the pleasure to work with Dr. Laurent with numerous children who have benefited from his kind and thoughtful care. He will be truly missed as a wonderful person as well as a true professional in the medical community.
Ginny Stegent R.N.
Sudha Bidani
November 2, 2004
I had some interesting and good times working with you over the years.
Frances Mathews
November 2, 2004
I have had the pleasure to work with Dr.Laurent for more than 10 years. May God continue to keep his family strong thru these hards times. He will be greatly missed
Dora Nerio
November 2, 2004
Thank you for all the times I saw your smiling face @ TCH when I worked there in CT. I only saw you two weeks ago in the parking lot and we had a lovely conversation...I also Thank You for all the times you sent the CT group Choc. Covered cherries from Godiva for Christmas & Valentine's..
You will be greatly missed, but I know for a fact your are better now
with our Lord.
With great love and respect,
Allison Steigerwalt
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent gave my son hope for a better future. He will be missed but never forgotten. Every time I look at my son and the function he has regained, Dr Laurent is a part of that and no words can express the gratitude I have for him. The brachial plexus community has suffered a great loss. I guess God has other plans for him, however while he was on our earth he has made such a difference in all of the lives of the children he has touched. This is a very sad time for many people. I send my condolences to his friends and family.
Carolyn H Jenkins
November 2, 2004
My Sympathy,Prayers and Gratitude to the Laurant family for sharing your blessed and skilled husband and father with so many families with special children. He made it possible for many children to accomplish many things. May an Archangel speed him up to his special place in Heaven. Thank you Dr. Laurant for using your gifts so generously to help so many.
Chris and Nancy Patterson
November 2, 2004
Thank you Dr. Laurent for all of the wonderful work you have done. We will never forget his smiling face. It seemed like he never forgot a patient, no matter how long it had been since he saw them. We learned more from him than any other doctors early in our daughter's injury. May God hold him close, and be present for the family. This is a great loss for all the people who knew him.
Our prayers are with you all in this time, his family at home, his family at Texas Children's and his BPI family all over the world.
Cheryl & Chris Lacke & Family
November 2, 2004
You and your family are in our prayers. You will be in our hearts forever.
Terri Brown RN
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent will be greatly missed by all of us at Texas Children's Hospital. He was very generous with his time and bright smiles in all the lives he touched. So very sorry for the loss to his family.
Blue Bird Clinic Staff TCH
November 2, 2004
We offer our condolences to Dr.Laurent's family. Our prayers are with them at this time.
Patricia Bligen
November 2, 2004
God's Garden
God looked around his garden
and saw an empty place.
He then looked down on earth,
and saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you
and lifted you to rest.
Gods garden must be a beautiful place, He only takes the best.
He knew that you would never
get well on earth again.
He saw the road getting rough
and the hills hard to climb,
So he closed your weary eyes
and wispered "Peace Be Thine".
It broke our hearts to lose you,
but you're not going alone.
for part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
If tears could build a stairway
and heartaches could make a lane,
we'd walk a path to Heaven
and bring you home again.
By:Robin Radford
The Dr. Laurent you are a hero to us all May God Bless and keep your family.
Sincerly the Bligen Family
Kimberly Leeds
November 2, 2004
May god bless a truely wonderful man!
Kim West
November 2, 2004
My deepest sympathy to the Laurent family. My six year old daughter was another brachial plexus patient who was helped by the Texas Children's Hospital team, including Dr. Laurent. God Bless Dr. Laurent for all that he has done and contributed to our world. May God grant his family peace during this trying time. Our Ohio prayers are with you.
Maia was mezmerized by what Dr. Laurent was telling her after her primary surgery. Dr. Laurent, may you rest in peace. We will miss you dearly.
November 2, 2004
The Kirklands
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent was a amazing man who lit up any room he came into. He gave my son a better future, and gave my family hope. He will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends and all of those children who he has helped over the years. He is an inspiration to the Brachial Plexus community. May God cherish him as we did, and may he be at peace.
With thoughts and prayers and so much love,
Bernie, Kelly, Jamie and especially Matthew (LBPI)
Francine & Lou Litz
November 2, 2004
We are very saddened to learn of Dr. Laurent's passing. We will remember him as a gentle, kind, man with the wisdom of saints. We kiss our daughter's primary surgery scar in remembrance of the miracle work he did on her. Thank you God for giving us this man for this short time on earth. We trust that You must have some higher plan for a soul of such caliber. We will miss you dearly, Dr. Laurent. The Litz Family
Shelia Orndorff
November 2, 2004
Dr. Laurent will be truly missed. Our prayers to Mrs. Laurent and family.
Texas Children's Hospital
Iris McWilliams
November 2, 2004
My thoughts are with you and the family
Love Iris
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