Gary Henry Maurin

Gary Henry Maurin born March 21, 1948, in New Orleans, passed away February 1, 2026, in Lafayette.

Survived by his children, Jamie Lee Maurin, Mark Brian Maurin, Hilary Ware Maurin (Ben Smith), and Michelle René Maurin (Kody Shellhouse); grandchildren, Flynn Henry Smith, Nash Andrew Smith and Calla Ruth Smith; his significant other and long-time sweetheart, Elizabeth Preis Bourque, and her daughters Elise, Meredith, Meghan and their spouses; as well as his brother, Greg "Za" Maurin (Shelley Smith Maurin) and their daughters Rachael, Carly, Alaney and their spouses.

Gary is preceded in death, by his parents, Henry Clement Maurin Jr, Alice Mae Montz Maurin; his brother, Gilbert "Gil" Maurin; and grandson, Evan Rex Letchworth.

Gary lived with a rare mix of curiosity, kindness, humor and heart. A lover of jokes, games and trivia, he delighted in making others laugh and think, often at the same time. His inquisitive spirit and childlike sense of wonder carried him through a life rich with adventure, travel and creative exploration. Whether catching a sunset on the Gulf Coast or trekking through a National Forest, he approached the world with openness and joy.

He was loving, compassionate, and deeply kind-patient in teaching, quick to forgive, and generous with his time and attention. His spirituality grounded him, guiding how he showed up for others: quietly, faithfully, and with purpose. Often laughing hardest at his own jokes, his goofy personality made people feel at ease.

An athlete in both body and spirit, he embraced movement as a celebration of life. As a man of many achievements (Captain of the USL Wrestling Team, Boston Marathon finisher, Iron Man, Red's Superstar, L'Étape du Tour cyclist, Senior Olympics Silver Medalist and many more) he ran, biked, swam, wrestled, bowled, golfed, and even flew kites. He pushed the limits of human endurance -not for medals alone, but for the joy of effort, perseverance, and shared experience. He was a team member and mentor, a volunteer who gave back without seeking recognition, and an encourager who believed deeply in others.

Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, friend, and a teacher in the truest sense of the word, who embodied generosity, warmth, and wonder. He showed those around him how to live with curiosity, love with intention, and laugh often.

His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the miles he traversed (via land, sea & air), the lives he touched, and the joy he spread so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Memorial gathering will be held on Wednesday February 4, 2026, for 1pm, followed by a Mass for 2pm at St. Mary Mother of the Church located at 419 Doucet Rd. in Lafayette, LA.

For anyone wishing to send flowers to the Lafayette service being held at St. Mary Mother of the Church, please use the flowers order link at the top of this page as well as below this obituary.

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, a second gathering will be held for 11am followed by a Mass at 12pm, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church located at 529 W5th St. in Laplace, LA. Immediately following Thursday's Mass, he will be placed to rest in his family tomb at St. John Memorial Cemetery in Laplace, LA

A Celebration of life will be held on March 22, 2026- details will be announced in the upcoming days.

For anyone wishing to send flowers to the LaPlace service being held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church you may consider using one of the florists we've listed below:

Hymel's Florist 985-652-3942

299 Belle Terre Blvd, Suite A

LaPlace, LA 70068

La Place Florist - Flower Delivery by Hymel's Florist

Plantation Décor Inc. 985-764-2336

1970 K Ormond Blvd.

Destrehan, LA 70047

Flower Shop Destrehan | Plantation Decor

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Gary Henry Maurin, please click here to visit our sympathy store.