Former LSU AgCenter agent Larry Brock’s body was found in Lac Des Allemands on Saturday, according to The Times-Picayune.
Brock’s boat was found Thursday and sparked a three-day search for the former AgCenter employee. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but drowning is assumed, according to The Times-Picayune.
Paul Coreil, vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, said Brock brought credibility to his position as a St. John’s Parish agent.
“He was a really dedicated agent who put his heart into everything he did,” Coreil said.
Coreil said Brock was a Cajun who spoke fluent French, which was useful when working with older farmers who felt comfortable speaking French.
The purpose of the AgCenter extension program is to bring knowledge gained at the University to the people of Louisiana, and Brock’s bilingualism served this goal, Coreil said.
Coreil said Brock was trusted, credible, responsive, dedicated and reliable. Coreil also described Brock as a “well-spoken, highly qualified person.”
“His family is very proud of him, and we are very glad to have had him,” Coreil said.
Coreil said Brock was happiest when he was fishing and relaxing.
“He died doing what he loved,” Coreil said.
Rene Schmit, the AgCenter’s chair for St. Charles Parish, said Brock hired him, and they were coworkers for 18 years.
“Those 18 years were one of the best experiences I’ve had in my extension career,” Schmit said.
Schmit said Brock’s character shone through during his time with the AgCenter.
“Larry was a leader, an individual who helped you to grow in your job,” Schmit said. “He taught you how to solve problems instead of solving them for you.”
Schmit said Brock was compassionate, a people person, a mentor and a role model for everyone in the office.
Schmit, who now holds the position Brock held, said he strives to emulate Brock as office supervisor.
Schmit said Brock was an icon at the AgCenter and a cherished friend to many employees.
 
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Contact Kevin Thibodeaux at [email protected]