Martin Rene de Lauréal

Martin Rene de Lauréal, known by all as ‘Stick’, and ‘Pops’ by his grandchildren, passed away on Saturday, September 7th in a tragic helicopter accident while on a fishing trip with friends in the Alaska wilderness. He was 73.

A life-long New Orleanian, Martin spent his youth hunting and fishing with his father and brother, playing football and basketball, spending time at Henderson Point on the Coast, and shooting pool at Valencia with friends. He graduated from De La Salle High School and attended LSU, joining the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. The friendships made at the DKE house were steadfast and lifelong. After convincing the University Registrar to suppress grades from being mailed home, Stick had more fun than the Dean of Students would allow. Stick ultimately graduated from the University of New Orleans with Honors while dating Evelyn, newly motivated after a fairly direct conversation with his future father-in law.

In 1977, Martin married the love of his life, the former Evelyn Lusk Bush, also from New Orleans. As everyone knows, from the start Evelyn was the best thing to ever happen to him. Martin had a special relationship with his in-laws, Shiela & Henry Bush, and Evelyn’s family remain very close today.

Martin spent his entire professional career spanning 36 years with Stewart Enterprises as a member of the executive leadership team responsible for corporate development, M&A, and investor relations. Known for his larger-than-life presence at the office, he was proud of the Stewart team and the growth of the business over many years. Following his retirement in 2013, he launched de Laureal Consulting, allowing him to continue working with some of his closest friends built throughout his career. Outside of work, Martin was a successful investor, creating New Orleans Natural Resource Group Inc, with partners Mike Rapier and Bryan Bell, in the mid-1990’s. Originally formed as an oil and gas partnership, they ultimately grew to become a successful investment firm. Martin remained active as Chairman until his death.

Martin was Chairman of the Metropolitan Crime Commission and a member of its board for many years. Following Hurricane Katrina, he committed to the Charter School movement in New Orleans, and served on the boards of schools and related organizations. Martin led and served many civic and charitable organizations along with his children’s schools over the years, often recruited due to his fund-raising abilities.

Known for his Joie de Vivre, sense of humor, and wide circle of friends, Stick was deeply loved and he loved deeply. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. He had an ability to make friends young and old and keep in touch over decades and through various seasons of life.

Young at heart and always eager to relive the glory days, his greatest passion was Evelyn and their boys. He most loved time spent with family, and created time and space to do that often, either at home, on vacation or special Father/Son trips. He was often found at his grandchildren’s sporting events and activities, teaching them to play gin rummy and hunt ducks, and relished opportunities to babysit over long weekends with Evelyn. He had immense pride in his boys and their families.

Stick loved hunting and fishing in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, and anywhere else he was invited. He enjoyed golf, but was never one to waste his best swings on the practice range. Stick proudly still holds the record for losing 9 balls on hole #8 at NOCC, a ‘Tin Cup’ story he loved to retell. More often than not, he pursued his passions more to be in the outdoors with his boys and his friends, than the sport itself. He loved the company of his family and friends, equally at ease in a bathing suit as black tie, Mardi Gras costume, or duck hunting jacket.

In retirement, Stick’s hobbies expanded. He and Evelyn developed a love of travelling, and made trips all over the world with close friends by their side. Stick also discovered his talent as a painter in recent years, and enjoyed painting landscapes, marsh scenes, wildlife, and dogs. Friends relished his uncanny self-portrait.

You would find Stick happiest in Pass Christian, Mississippi on the water, checking crab traps or water skiing with his grandchildren, or in the mountains on the back porch in Highlands, North Carolina with Evelyn. A wood fire, a cocktail, and a smile were constants in all.

Stick was a Patriot, and believed that despite its flaws, America was the shining light for the world and one of its greatest accomplishments. He also understood that the American experiment is fragile, and had deep respect for our Military and those who serve our nation.

Stick was a member of the Louisiana Club, the Boston Club, the New Orleans Country Club, the Pass Christian Yacht Club, the Highlands Falls Golf Club, the Recess Club, the Avoca Duck Club, and several Carnival organizations that he cherished. He served as President of the Recess Club and particularly enjoyed its camaraderie and the Outing each May. He was a faithful retreat member at Manresa for many decades, a tradition begun with his father.

He is preceded in death by his parents Eva and David, brother David, nephew Harrison McClure, and two black labs, both named Deke.

Martin is survived by his beloved wife of forty-eight years, Evelyn, and their three sons and spouses: Martin and Jeanne, David and Grier, and Jonathan and Marceline. His eight grandchildren were the apple of his eye: Tripp (16), Ashton (14), Liam (12), Jack (6), Daniel (4), Collins (3), James (1) and new born William. Pops met William on his birthday at the hospital just weeks ago. He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn Harrington (Rick) and Eva Jeans (Hank), Evelyn’s siblings and their families, and 16 adoring nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind so many friends of all ages and walks of life. Stick was formidable but kind, and many considered him a father figure. We will remember him for his wit, sensitivity, and love of life. Please think of him with a smile and tell (and re-tell) the many jokes and stories he loved to share.

We are unlikely to see another one like him. While we are devastated by this loss, it is fitting that Stick died doing what he loved, on an adventure with friends. He was a man of deep faith and we know that we will meet again.

There will be a visitation for friends and family at Trinity Episcopal Church at 11:30am on Tuesday, September 17th, with a Celebration of Life to follow at 1pm. A private family burial is scheduled as he wished.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in memory of Martin to Trinity Episcopal School or Manresa in Convent, Louisiana. Stick would also ask that you give the gift of time to your children, hug them early and often, and tell them “I love you.”

“Don’t be sad that it’s over, be happy that it happened.” - Dr. Suess