Michael Laydell Labat Sr.

1942 - 2023

Michael Laydell Labat, Sr., 81, of Bluffton, SC passed away peacefully at his home with his loving wife of 58 years, Constance Ray, by his side on Sunday, March 19. Mike was a loving husband to Connie and a devoted father to his two children, Michael Labat, Jr. and Tracy Labat Porter. Mike was a proud and doting grandfather (affectionately known as "Pops") to Phoebe, Zoe and Connie Labat. He was a father-in-law to Christine Tromans and Edward Porter and Doggy Granddad to Franco, Rocky and Stella. Mike was born in New Orleans, LA to parents Victor and Jeanne Labat. He was the youngest son and leaves behind two older brothers, Victor and Joseph Labat, their spouses, Deidre and Dorothy, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Mike and Connie met at Xavier University from which they both graduated. They married in 1965 in Grand Coteau, Louisiana. They started their new family and careers in the 7th Ward of New Orleans and shortly thereafter relocated to Maplewood, New Jersey. They moved to West Linn, Oregon for four years where they met more life-long friends. Twelve years ago Mike and Connie retired to their beautiful home in Bluffton, South Carolina. They were so deeply in love; soulmates feels like an understatement. Their remarkable love for each other was radiant and evident to All! In his early years, Mike worked as a Pharmacist and then moved into Pharmaceutical Sales. He was a trailblazer, being the first black Pharmaceutical Representative hired in the south by Hoffman La Roche. Mike took tremendous pride in being one of the Top Award Winning and Leading District Sales Managers at every company he worked for. During that time, he nurtured, coached and mentored all those who worked for him and all the peers he was partnered with. Although he was proud of his career, he would tell you his greatest accomplishment was his marriage to his best friend, Connie, whom he loved with all his heart. He also enjoyed dressing stylishly, driving his Corvettes, spending time with friends and more recently playing poker on Friday nights - and, of course, being the life of the party. Mike was a quick-witted, fun-loving and truly hilarious man! He was adored by everyone who knew him. He loved his family, his Hampton Hall Community, Louisiana and New Jersey family and friends, Kappa Brothers, work family and all of what life had to offer. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, April 15 from 12:00 pm-2:00 pm at St. Katherine Drexel Chapel on the Xavier University campus: 3932 Pine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70125. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Xavier University of Louisiana in the name of Michael L. Labat, Sr. at https://giving.xula.edu/.