This weekend Louisiana lost a staunch advocate for journalistic freedom, a voice for fair politics and a beloved professor. John LaPlante, Advocate Capitol Bureau editor and adjunct mass communication professor, died tragically Saturday in Galveston, Texas, after being swept into a pier while swimming. LaPlante was described by his friends and family as a perfectionist and devout family man. His introduction to writing class at the University offered students an insight into the world of journalism. He cared deeply about his students, working with them to have their writing published. His students described him as caring and deeply involved, saying that he stopped them on the street to discuss their current work and inquire about their progress. LaPlante wrote for The Daily Reveille when he was a student and took great interest in the paper, asking student journalists to speak to his classes and work with other students. During his 30 years as a reporter, editorial writer and editor, he worked to bring government news to the public eye that was necessary to keep readers informed and to continue the flow of government. “I always wondered what was his touchstone, and I’ve realized he wrote for his family,” his brother Tim LaPlante said. “He realized the ordinary guy needed somebody to watch out for others. He wrote for his father, brother and family.” He garnered a legacy during his term as the Capitol Bureau chief, leading the coverage of state government since 1998. “He was very well-respected,” Advocate Executive Editor Carl Redman said in a Sunday article. “There were some public officials who didn’t like him because of what he had to do. Sometimes he had to put them in an unflattering light, but even the people who didn’t like the stories agreed they were fair and balanced.” It was a tragic accident that took LaPlante’s life, one that could not be predicted or foreseen. He was 54 years old and the father of two teenage children. He not only left behind an outstanding demonstration of exceptional reporting and teaching but a reminder of the sanctity of life. His dedication and hard work will be remembered, and his death is a reminder that one does not have much time to make a difference. His last lesson for students is to take his life as an example and work to make a difference in the world because you never know how long you have to make an impact. LaPlante left his impression on this world in the time he had as a teacher, journalist and father.
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