Joseph Aloysius LaFortune, Jr. "Buddy"

Joseph Aloysius LaFortune, Jr. J.A. LaFortune, Jr., "Buddy," was born to Joseph A. and Gertrude LaFortune, Sr. along with a twin sister, Mary Ann, on October 17, 1924 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He graduated from Marquette and Cascia Hall, and then went to Notre Dame where he played on the golf team before entering the Navy as a meteorologist in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Upon returning, he attended the University of Tulsa. It was then that he fell in love with TU and became a lifetime supporter of the athletic department and all of its programs. Throughout his life, he was a regular fan at TU football and basketball events, and was a director emeritus on the university's board after serving as a member for decades. In 1950, he met Rosa Lee David, the love of his life. They were married on April 7, 1951 and had five children: Linda, Michele, J.A. III, William, and Lisa. He worked in the petroleum industry in Midland, Texas for a few years before returning to Oklahoma to continue as an independent oil operator. The most important things in his life were his Catholic faith, his family and his love of the game of golf. He was an avid golfer, learning the game from his father as a young boy. He loved to travel and to play at many different golf courses all over the world, playing with a three handicap as a young man. He played in several leading amateur tournaments across the country such as the Broadmoor Invitational, the Trans-Mississippi Invitational, and the Oklahoma State Amateur. In later life, he was named as an Augustinian Affiliate, an honor bestowed upon him by the Order of St. Augustine, one of his proudest moments. He served on several local boards for many years, including the School of Business Board of Notre Dame University, Tulsa County Parks Board as its Chairman, TU, Parkside Hospital, St. John Hospital, Cascia Hall, and Tulsa County Health Department. He was also very active in supporting Monte Cassino School where many of his children and grandchildren attended. In addition, Buddy was superb at landscaping design and horticulture. He applied these skills in a volunteer capacity at various facilities in the Tulsa area as well as for his family. He assisted in designing and landscaping for many Tulsa parks such as the plans for the Gardens at LaFortune Park. He enjoyed planning the layout of the croquet courses there as well as the beautiful azaleas, one of his favorites. He was thrilled and honored to have the new Community Center at LaFortune Park named after him. In the mid 1970s, Buddy drove past a sprawling farm in south Tulsa and had an idea. He brought together a group of businessmen to purchase the property and build a new golf course and clubhouse that became known as Cedar Ridge Country Club. He served as an active board member and lifetime member and first president of that club. He was a former member of Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa Club, Garden of the Gods and the Castle Pines Country Club in Colorado. Buddy also had a large heart for helping persons with mental illness. He served as an active member of Parkside for many years and kept current on changes in policies, laws, and procedures affecting those with a major mental illness, working tirelessly to help raise funding to improve inpatient and outpatient facilities for the mentally ill. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee, twin sister Mary Ann Wilcox and brother Robert J. LaFortune. He was preceded in death by his daughter Michele (Shelly) Swartz; his sister Jeanne LaFortune Henry; brother-in-law Jack Henry; and sister-in-law Jeannie LaFortune. Other relatives include son-in-law David Swartz, son J.A. LaFortune, III and daughter-in-law Elizabeth LaFortune of Durango, Colorado, son William LaFortune and daughter-in-law Kathy LaFortune of Tulsa, Linda LaFortune and Lisa LaFortune, and several grandchildren: Dr. Mary Swartz, Jordan Swartz, J. A. LaFortune, IV, Jacqueline LaFortune, Olivia LaFortune, William LaFortune, Jr., Erin Edblom, and many nieces and nephews. Contributions may be made in his honor to Cascia Hall, St. John Hospital, St. Mary's Church, or Monte Cassino. Visitation will be at Fitztgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel Sunday from 1 to 4 pm. A Rosary service will be held at Cascia Hall St. Rita Chapel at 7 pm Monday evening. A funeral mass will be conducted at St. Mary's Church at 11 am Tuesday morning. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Joseph Aloysius LaFortune, Jr. "Buddy"

October 17, 1924 - March 25, 2011