Robert J. LaFortune facts for kids

Robert James LaFortune (born January 24, 1927 – died March 27, 2024) was an important person from Oklahoma. He was a kind helper (philanthropist) and a politician. Mr. LaFortune served as the mayor of Tulsa, Oklahoma for eight years, from 1970 to 1978.

Robert LaFortune's Early Life and Education

Robert LaFortune was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on January 24, 1927. His parents, Joseph and Gertrude LaFortune, moved to Tulsa in 1920. His father, Joseph, worked at Warren Petroleum Company for 30 years. He also became a well-known helper (philanthropist) in the community.

Robert went to Marquette Elementary School. He then graduated from Cascia Hall Preparatory School in 1944. After high school, he served in the United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps for two years. Later, he studied at the University of Tulsa. He then transferred to Purdue University. In 1951, he earned a degree in chemical engineering from Purdue.

Robert LaFortune's Early Career

After college, Robert LaFortune worked at Reilly Tar and Chemical Company for five years. Then, he became a part owner of Reed Drilling Company. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 10 years. He reached the rank of Captain.

Robert LaFortune's Time in Tulsa Politics

Robert LaFortune was a member of the Republican Party. He served as Tulsa's commissioner of streets and public property. He held this job for three terms, from 1964 to 1970. As commissioner, he helped develop the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. He helped get the land for the port. He also got approval for money to build it.

Robert LaFortune as Mayor of Tulsa

In 1970, Robert LaFortune was elected Mayor of Tulsa. He held this important job until 1978. As mayor, he helped pass plans to fund the city's freeway system. He also helped with the Williams Center and Tulsa Performing Arts Center downtown. He also helped start the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG). This group helps local governments work together. In 1972, he was a delegate at the 1972 Republican National Convention.

Robert LaFortune's Family and Passing

Robert's wife, Jeanne Morse LaFortune, passed away on November 15, 2003. She was born on August 25, 1929, in Missouri. Robert and Jeanne got married in 1951. They had six children: three sons and three daughters. They also had 16 grandchildren.

Robert J. LaFortune passed away in Tulsa on March 27, 2024. He was 97 years old. His grandson, G. T. Bynum, announced his passing the next day. At that time, G. T. Bynum was also the Mayor of Tulsa.

Awards and Honors for Robert LaFortune

Robert LaFortune was a director for several companies. These included Apco Argentina Inc., BOK Financial Corporation, and the Williams Companies. He was also a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. This is the main group that guides the organization.

In 1982, LaFortune received the Silver Buffalo Award. This is a very high honor from the Boy Scouts of America. In 1995, the University of Tulsa gave him an honorary doctor of laws degree. Robert LaFortune was the uncle of Bill LaFortune. Bill also served as Mayor of Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.

In 2017, a painting of LaFortune was shown at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (PAC). The painting was made by Nathan Opp, an art professor. Robert LaFortune was mayor when the PAC was first planned. He helped create the partnership that funded its building.

On October 16, 1960, LaFortune Park opened to the public. This was the first county park in Oklahoma. The park is 270 acres big. It has over 700 trees and 11 ponds. More than 100,000 people visit it each year. The park has an 18-hole championship golf course. It also has a lighted driving range and a pro shop. It is the only lighted 18-hole par 3 course in Oklahoma. The park was not always called LaFortune Park. It was renamed to honor the Tulsa mayor.