John Maurice LaPlante Jr.

My CONDOLENCES

To the LaPlante Family:
I am deeply saddened at the news of John's passing. My family and I knew him very well in the 80s. We used to all jog together in our neighborhood and talk politics. I always remember him as being a very upbeat and happy guy. You are in our prayers.

Merrill and all of your family,
When you said at the funeral that John didn’t realize how much he was loved and appreciated, you were right. Sometimes those of us at work forgot to tell him that we did care and did appreciate all the work he did.

I know I drove him crazy some afternoons asking if he could get something for Online on whatever political news story had just broken. . .and could he do it ASAP? He always did.

But the memory of John I’ll carry is sitting in Wednesday afternoon news meetings when at some point, he’d look up and ask, “Is this really a story?” There aren’t enough journalists who ask that question, but John did.

My heart and prayers go out to you, Anne and David and all of John’s family. Know that John made a difference in the world.

To the LaPlante family,
John was a reporter at the Capitol when I was a journalism student at LSU, and he was so very helpful. He was a wonderful journalist and a good person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mr. John and Mrs. Ann, I was very sorry when mom told me of Johnny's death. My heart goes out to Johnny's wife and children and all of his sisters and brothers. You will all be in my prayers.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I knew John at LSU as a journalism student. He was always such a gentelman. I am so sorry for your loss.

To John's Family,
I cannot express how saddened I was to learn of John's untimely death. My heart goes out to you all. John was a photojournalism student of mine at LSU and worked for me at the Reveille. It has always been a pleasure to visit with him over the years. I particularly remember him as a kind, honest person who was a wonderful writer. Rest in peace, John.

I was stunned to hear of the untimely death of John. Evidently,
God had an urgent job for him. Trust in the will of our Lord and know that you will see him again.

To the LaPlante Family -- my sincere condolences to all of you on the loss of your husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and (most of all) friend! John was one of the nicest and most intelligent journalists I've had the delight to know throughout my career with the Louisiana Municipal Association. Our telephone calls were friendly and remind me of just how courteous and respectful a reporter and editor he was. It was always a pleasure to enjoy his humor and insight on the phone as well as in person when our paths crossed. Now, John has left us "for the city which is to come" (Hebrews 13:14). May he rest in peace and may we always treasure our memories of John and the good and purposeful life he lived!

Merrill, As you are warmed by John's memory, and strengthened by his love, I pray for a comforting peace for you, the children and John's family.

I WAS VERY SHOCKED TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS. IT'S HARD TO UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE ARE TAKEN FROM US BUT WE FIND COMFORT IN KNOWING THEY WERE A SPECIAL PART OF OUR LIVES AND WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE GOOD MEMORIES OF THEM.

to aunt merrill,anne david, and grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles,...
i am very sorry that could not attend the funeral, but my prayers are with all of you. i am glad to read all the good memories being shared, and i know god is uplifting everyone. one of my memories is of uncle johnny's old dog bert and i remember how he loved to take pictures at family gatherings. i am very blessed to have had an awesome uncle and to be a part of such a great loving family. i am glad to know we are all coming together to pull through such a terrible thing. my hugs go out to you guys. love becky.

Merril and family,
You are a very special family. I wish that things would have turned out differently for John. I hope you can take some comfort knowing that we are thinking of you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Merrill,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

To the John LaPlante Family: My deepest condolences to your family for your loss. John was a wonderful, good, christian, catholic man. And I got the chance to know him thru my volunteer work w/ the local Habitat for Humanity Chapter, here in Baton Rouge, over the past few years. He was a very good-hearted and decent person and will be deeply and truly missed by those of us who knew him. Take care and god bless your family in this time of sorrow and sadness.

John and Ann, My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. There is nothing anyone can say to make this pain go away. Our Faith tells us that John is now with our Father. His problems no longer exist. It is for all of us to keep his spirit and the love we felt for him alive.
With prayers,
Fr. Joe Chotin
I will remember him in Mass.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this very difficult time.

To the LaPlante Family,
I worked with John at The Morning Advocate, as it was called back then. John was a good journalist and a good person. I considered him my friend. I will miss his words from the newspaper. May God comfort his family at this time is my prayer.

Merrill, Anne and David:
I shared a lot of my career with John, from knowing one another at LSU, to working years at The Advocate (John for a while was my editor) and as a fellow adjunct instructor at LSU. When he did something, it was done well. That was his way. I considered him a friend and colleague. He will be missed by many, including me.

Dearest La Plante Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. It is obvious from the many notes in this guestbook that John was an extraordinary man who touched many lives. I know he will truly be missed and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
With Love, Cathy Piazza

Betty and The LaPlante Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May the Lord give you the strength you need. We Love You.

I will always remember John as the kind, kind soul that came into Merrill and Shane’s lives so many years ago. He was such a loving gift to them. Merrill, I will always be there for you, Anne and David. Love you all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
God Bless,
The Gutierrez Family

Merrill,
My heart goes out to you and your children. I never had the pleasure of meeting your husband but I'm sure he was a fantastic person.I hope the following doesn't seem trite, I don't intend it to be,I truly believe it, but I would bet that Senator John Hainkel was one of the first ones to welcome John into heaven.God bless and keep you.

Merrill–

I was saddened beyond words to learn of John’s tragic and untimely death.

During my time as a spokesperson in state government I had the opportunity to work with hundreds of journalists, and John was one of my favorites. Few could match his insight, intellect and keen understanding of Louisiana’s dysfunctional political landscape. I valued his opinion and admired his ethics. He will surely be missed by peers and readers alike.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and the children.

John and I were students together at the Reveille, and later we worked together at the Plainsman-News in Zachary. Even as an undergraduate, he had a keen sense for news, and as a student editor, he was very good at conveying to the other members of the staff the best way to put a story together.

I left Louisiana a number of years ago, and have not been good about keeping in touch. I always assumed though, that someday we'd get together again with that group from the Reveille, exchange stories, and talk about how we had changed the world.

My heart goes out to Merrill, Anne, and David. May God be with you.

John's professionalism extended far beyond what he wrote in the paper.
When I was a new reporter covering the Legislature for a small daily in the 1980s, John was endlessly helpful and supportive.
We didn't run into each other very often in later years, but I'm proud to have called him my friend.
His passing is a loss for us all.

Matt Scallan
The Times-Picayune

John was thoughtful, thorough and conscientious _ not just in his job but in the way he lived his life. He was already a highly respected journalist when I first met him more than 25 years ago but his true legacy will be his devotion to Merrill, Anne and David. It shined through every time I talked with him over the years.

Merrill,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
The Hainkel Family

Dear LaPlante family,
Everyone in the journalism community of Louisiana is grateful that you were able to share John with us. You are in our prayers.

John was a tremendous teacher, a great reporter and, even more importantly, a wonderful person. His wit, wisdom and experience was valued on Press Row. He will be greatly missed.

Betty Jean and LaPlante Family, my deepest condolences. You must be so proud to have been a part of such a wonderful person. You remain in my prayers. May God give you all strength during this time of sorrow. Love You All, Norma Chapa

Mr. LaPlante was my MC 2010 teacher. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and he will be missed. He was a great teacher.

Dear LaPlante family, I was a student this semester of Mr. LaPlante and I cant tell you how awesome of a person he is!!!! He always made me laugh and brought a smile to my face at 8:30 in the morning! He taught me so much about Journalism and he was really such an inspiring person!! My heart goes out to yall!!!

Merrill,
my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. God Bless

I worked with John when he was Editor of the Zachary Plainsman in Zachary. He moved onto bigger and better things in Baton Rouge and we retired to my husband's plantation outside of Vicksburg. Lost touch with John, but kept up with his career. I turned from journalism to gardening and my home and grounds are on public tours. Those were fun days at The Plainsman. I will keep your family in my prayers.

Merrill, Anne, and David, my heart pains for your family~he is a great loss to so many. Anne and David, your dad is one that so many can only dream of having. He left a great impression on my little ones one day at BRMHS. I was busy running around the school and had my children in tow. He sat with them and my youngest thought he was a jungle gym! He was not moved, and I was so embarrassed. I now understand~ the 2nd of 10! When learning of his passing, my 10yr old said, "Mom, that is so sad, he was such a nice man." and my 6yr old reminded me that I would see him again. And yes, we certainly will. God Bless you.

To the LaPlante family...I am very saddened by John's sudden death. The shock you feel today will soften with time...and you will smile again with memories of John.

To John's family and friends,
I was saddened to hear of your loss. I never met John, but he was an active and eager source of insight into Louisiana politics as I put together my Out There columns for Roll Call newspaper. He gave generously of his time thanks to our shared membership in Capitolbeat and his overall kindness. He will be missed.
Deepest condolences.

I
was pleased to know John in his very first job, cub reporter for the
Mandeville Bantam. I never saw him again after he left to enroll in
LSU, but I never forgot him.

It was a great pleasure to know John and certainly to read his work over the years.
His loss is a great one for all who knew him over the years.

John was wonderful. The fact that he cared so deeply about his family and his work made him genuine. If you wanted candid advice or opinion, John was the guy because he was thoughtful in all that he said and did. He taught me a lot about newspapers. I am grateful that I knew him and send my prayers and thoughts to his family and all who will miss having John in their daily lives.

I just want to say my heart goes out to the family in their time of need. Though its easier said than done, everything will be okay and God will guide you through. I also want to say my heart personally goes out to Anne(John's daughter),I am a classmate of her's at Baton Rouge Magnet High School, Anne may God be with you and your family ! WE ALL LOVE YOU !!!! and cant wait to have you back at school with us !!! LOVE YOU BUNCHES !!!!

"God can be your only healer, and may he heal you through your toughest times"
-- Kayla Anderson

My deepest sympathies to the LaPlante family. I remember when John first came to the Capitol press row for the Town Talk and immediately set about making his mark as a respected journalist. John was every bit the professional but he also had an easy sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Our prayers are with you.

Merrill,
Honey, there are no words to express the sadness we feel at John's death. And the sadness for the grief you and the kids have and will live through. He was really fun to be with at the Reveille (what a prankster), a dedicated journalist, a trusted friend, an ardent but tone-deaf singer.
Having lost my husband just 4 months ago, we share an unspoken bond of support. Not fair, not fair at all.
Love you.....
Karla Swacker (Browning)
LSU J School Class of '75

The statehouse journalism community has lost a wonderful friend and mentor. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to John's family, friends and colleagues.

John was a terrific reporter who inspired me often. I can only speculate that he was just as wonderful of a husband and father.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all who were enrichened by his life and are left a little lonelier by his death.

I just wanted to say how saddened I was to hear of John's death. I was among those who with him founded the Capitol Reporters Assn. back in 1999, and I found him engaging, serious, and always very committed to advancing the ethics and professionalism of our craft. He was funny, especially when he told stories about the sometimes zany world of Louisiana politics. But beneath the humor you could sense his commitment to justice and to getting things right. That's how I will always remember him.

On behalf of the Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, of which John was a founding board member, please accept our deepest sympathies. While I didn't know John personally, many of our members did and they all spoke to me yesterday of his integrity, enthusiasm and talent for journalism. You and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.

The entire Broussard family just loved John!

He probably felt comfortable with us because we also were in a large Catholic family like his. We were always running into him at school, church and track meets. He would talk to each of us, even getting out of the pew at church to shake hands at the sign of peace.

Scouting was very important to him. I remember one recent weekend scouting expedition. When I dropped my child off, John begged me to tag along. I resisted. Told him I wasn't into sleeping on the ground. Apparently he got a speeding ticket on the way to the camp ground, and it set the tone for a somewhat testy camping trip.

I particularly loved watching John with his children. You could tell he loved them very much.

Years ago when David and Anne were two and four I bumped into them at the zoo. I spent the day with my young son and the Laplantes touring the zoo, petting animals and climbing a tree to take photos.

God bless you all! You are in my prayers.

John, you left us way too soon. You had so much more good work to do. I remember our days working for The Reveille, about a billion years ago. Even then you were hard-nosed, intelligent, a get-it-right reporter. But you always maintained your sense of humor about the crazy business of news, especially politics.

My deep sympathies to your wife and children. They have suffered a terrible loss. But so have all of us who knew you.

LaPlante Family and Freinds
I have had the pleasure of learning of the extended LaPlante Families from my dearest friend Betty Jean and her Loving Parents during gatherings and visits here in Virginia. My thoughts of warmth and peace extend to ALL during this time of loss. I can only imagine as ALL gather today and tomorrow and ALWAYS the most special and beautiful MEMORIES ALL will continue to share of Johnny and "FAMILY".
God Bless
Ginger Spice, Ryun & Matthew Nadeau

As the newest member of John's six-person bureau, he hired me and became my mentor in the famed Capitol News Bureau. John was a great newsman, writer, role model and friend.
Most importantly, he had his priorities straight and he was as strong a family man as I have ever known. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
I already miss John tremendously, and the pain of the loss still has not sunk in completely.
Going to work in the Capitol will never be the same again.
My deepest sympathies,
Jordan Blum

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Merrill, David and Anne
May God grant you peace and comfort in the days ahead.

The La Plante Family:
John and I worked together at the Advocate (The Morning Advocate back then). John always contributed 100 % effort and was an excellent reporter and writer. My Mother is a member of St. Aloysius and told me how much he meant to the church.
He will be sorely missed. Please accept the sympathies of my family upon your loss.
George Cotton

John was a good man and a joy to work with. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and his family. He will be missed.

I was saddened when I heard of John's death. I was a journalism student with John at LSU and kept up with his career. He was a good and insightful writer and I enjoyed his commentary on Louisiana politics. My sympathies go out to his family.

John and I (along with Lanny Keller) went to LSU together "back in the day"; we literally grew up together. Unlike some in the sometimes cut-throat intersection of politics and journalism, John was unfailingly fair, professional and sensitive to everyone involved. He was a truly kind, gentle and generous soul. I've never seen him angry at anyone--or, even more tellingly, anyone angry at him. His beautiful spirit, his sense of humor and fun, and his dedication to his family and his friends were an inspiration to all of us fortunate enough to have known him.

Meryl, Annie and David, our hearts are broken for yall. My husband and I loved John, and stand with yall now as we grieve his passing together. Please know you're in our thoughts and prayers.

To John's Family:
There were so many kindnesses afforded me by John, as I often promoted unpopular issues before the State Legislature. He always gave my issues a full hearing and full respect. I considered him an honest friend and colleague. I share your loss and offer my sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers.

Merrill I pray that God comfort you in your time of grief.

I am so shocked and sad to learn of your loss, of Louisiana's loss. John was a wonderful person and excellent journalist. You are all in our hearts and prayers. With much love and sympathy to you and your whole family.

Merrill, David, and Anne,

My heart is just broken for you. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I feel so fortunate to have taught you Anne and David. You are such wonderful people which is a true testament to your mom and dad.

You and your family remain in my prayers. I pray that your faith in God will lead and comfort you through this difficult time.

With deepest sympathy,

Merrill,

Words don't come easily as I am writing this, but know of my sincerest feelings for you and your children. Please extend my condolences to all the family.
You and John made a great team. God will give you the strength to go on.

Reading all these beautiful thoughts about John confirms what a wonderful man he was, and how much he accomplished. It is so obvious that he touched many hearts and helped many people. The parents, students, faculty and parishioners at St. Aloysius are extremely saddened by John's death. Merril, David, and Ann, please take some comfort in knowing that our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.

John was a terrific journalist and a terrific person. He was always willing to help when he could. I was particularly grateful when he recently agreed to serve on the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication Alumni Board. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Merril, Ann and David - It is so difficult to put into words the deep sadness and heartache that we are feeling. We know your family will be there to hold you and lift you up, but know that your neighbors and friends are here too. May God give you His peace and love during this most difficult of times.

John was so kind and a great listener -- he worked so hard to get the story right. He will be missed on press row and on the 2007 campaign trail. My heart goes out to his family.

I have known the LaPlante family for over 35 years, they don't come any better. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you in your time of grief, I know Johnny will be greatly missed.

David:

My heart goes out to you. I know how much my father means to me even as an adult. When I heard of your loss I remembered the many men other than my father who I encountered as friends and mentors along my path. These relationships will be more important to you as you grow up without your father here in body. Certainly the fierce determination to succeed that showed all over your face when you played basketball this year will allow you overcome your loss. You are a kind and gentle young man for whom God cares deeply. Remember also, our dear departed are always with us in spirit, often moreso even than when they were alive. Never hesitate to ask for help from your friends, especially those whom you judge to truly care for you. God bless you and your family as you enter a new spiritual relationship with your father.

Merrill
I know words offer little comfort, but God's love, mercy and grace will comfort you and your family at this sorrowful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,

Mr. LaPlante taught my Mass Comm class last semester and had to be one of the most sincere and kindest professors I've ever had. He REALLY cared about each and every one of us in his class and did everything in his power to make us better writers.

My heart goes out to the family. I can't begin to imagine the pain of such a sudden death. God is with each and every one of you.

Merrill - My heart just aches for you, the children and all of John's family. You might say you, John and I grew up together at the State Capitol, sharing in our trials, tribulations and triumphs. I will always treasure all of those memories. As fellow capital correspondents over the years, we shared our insights into state politics and state government. As an "adversary" in the Senate, he always treated me honestly, fairly and with respect.
I loved serving as a guest lecturer for his news writing classes and saw what joy he took in his role as teacher.
Above all, John was such a kind and gentle soul who touched more lives than you may ever know.
We miss him greatly. We are here for you now and in the months to come. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need something or someone.

Brenda

As a member of the Baton Rouge High School Parent/Faculty Club I want to express my deepest sadness at the loss of John. He attended many of the meetings and we enjoyed his opinions on many issues. He was a strong supporter of the school as well as a devoted Dad. John will live on in our hearts as an example of selflessness and courage.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of a great writer and an even better person. I feel lucky to have met him and also to let him know how much i enjoyed his pieces.

Ms. Merrill, Anne, and David,

hey everyone its McCall. i am SO sorry about mr. John. he was like a second father to me growing up. and over the past 16 years of my life..i have never met a father that could cook like mr john could :) i remember i would always be at yalls house eating supper with you all. man those were the days! we all miss him greatly and we are very sorry to hear about his death. my mom n dad and i will be at the funeral to support you and all of your family.

Anne..girl i am here for you..if u need anything like someone to talk to or go to the mall with or just watch a movie with...please call me..i called you yesterday from my cell so now you have my new number

David..you are getting to be SO BIG! man kiddo!...remember your the new man of the house..your mom n sister need you to step up and take your role now okay? i know you will do a GREAT job

Ms Merrill..i am so sorry about mr. John. i cried when i found out..and i went to your house to bring you and anne n david some lunch..and i spoke with anne and david..i went by a second time bc i was n the neighborhood and i said hey n saw that austin, my cousin, and michael were there..we all watched happy feet!..i just hope everyone is doing better and my family is here for yours

i cant immagine loosing my father and its not fair that anne and david lost theirs..my heart goes out to you guys

let us know if you need ANYTHING..anything at anytime..

Rest In Peace John LaPlante

he was a GREAT man.

"I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

Merrill,

I pray that God gives you and your family peace and strength in this difficult time.

We were devastated to hear of John's passing. John was an excellent boss to Patrick and a great friend. John always understood when we had family matters that needed to be tended to, and even attended the funeral of Patrick's father. This meant a lot to us. I thought very highly of John as a journalist and as a man. Words can not express what a tragedy it is that he is gone. We will continue to pray for you that you should have some comfort in knowing his life touched many others in the best way possible.

God Bless the LaPlantes - we love you.

I got to know John while working in the Foster administration. While we rarely agreed on much in the realm of politics, he was always fair to me. More importantly, he separated the personal from the political. He was warm and friendly, and always a pleasure to talk with. He will be sorely missed. Press row won't be the same without him.

As you share the stories and memories of how he lived his life and how very much he meant, may you find comfort. Throughout this difficult time may you also know the deep sympathy felt for you and all your family.

Merrill, you have borne so many heavy crosses during your earthly journey. I have thought of and prayed for you and your family so often through the many years since we worked together. I know that Our Loving Savior and His Blessed Mother will continue to support and guide you, Anne, and David as you struggle with this burden down yet another rock-strewn path. Peace and love to all of you.

My heart goes out to the LaPlante family and to his dear friends at the State Capital and elsewhere. A great reporter and a great Gridiron performer, a fierce competitor and a great friend. He was all that and more. He will truely be missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Merrill and the children. I had the privilege of working beside John as a journalist for many years at the capitol. He was always willing to share a little inside information with me about what was going on and we respected each other's opinions on whatever the issue may have been. He was a fine journalist and a good friend. We'll all miss him.

Merill,

My boys highly admired your husband and were grateful for his guidance in working the merit badges in the recent Troop 7 meetings. Your husband has left beautiful memories among the members of our troop. Our prayers are for you and your beautiful children. May God Bless you always.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I lost my dad on a whitewater rafting trip last summer. I don't know how you feel, but I do know that this loss is most difficult and painful for you all. Be as strong for each other as you can. As a dad myself, I know your dad and husband was satisfied to know his kids were safe. If he wasn't sure before, he is now. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave Goldsmith, former Scoutmaster Troop 103 (St. Jude)

May beautiful memories give you strength at this time.

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I work at UTMB and was gripped by John's story. He was a hero - saved his children. I was very touched to read his story and saddened to hear he passed. Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of many Galvestonians.

Merill....

May God continue to surround you with His love, and may his Comforter and his Grace rest and abide with you and strengthen you, your family, and John's family now and in the days ahead. Love you...

Merrill,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that all of us at the Senate are ready to do anything we can to help.

May you find solace in God's comforting hand of love and guidance.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Merrill and the entire family.

I'm still stunned that John is gone. He was one of the good guys in a business lacking in good guys. His humor, insight and knowledge will be missed. My memories of that 70 day legislative session all came rushing back on news of his death and John was at the center of most of them. He was a good guy, good newspaperman and fun to work with and for. He'll be missed....

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

My heart and prayers are extended to John's family and to all of his extended family at the Capitol news bureau. As a colleague of nearly 30 years, I have always respected and admired his professionalism and integrity. May your many memories sustain you at this difficult time.

Our hearts go out to the LaPlante family, your family touched us all here in the MICU at UTMB. Our condolences to you in your time of need.

Mr. Laplante was an incredible man. He was a loving father. And a sincere teacher. I had the honor to be a student of his this semester. He has easily been one of my favorite professors at LSU. He is personal. He knows and understands his students individually. He had a heart to see us succeed. He was a hard worker and he loved his family. I am praying for your family daily. I can not imagine the loss in your heart because there is a huge loss in the classroom- how much more personal it is for you. Thank you for being such a huge part of his life to make him who he was- to have such a significant influence on the students at LSU.