It is the truly fortunate who have a friend whose every day on earth is an inspiration. So it has been for me, and that friend, who passed from this life on June 11, was Carl Bauer.
[Editor's Note: Carl Bauer, who served terms in the state House and Senate from 1968 to 1976 and more recently worked until 2010 as the head of UL Lafayette's Governmental Relations Department where he lobbied state lawmakers on behalf of UL, died June 11 after several years of declining health. Bauer's longtime friend, Lafayette insurance/financial planning consultant Don Bacque, penned the following tribute.]
It is the truly fortunate who have a friend whose every day on earth is an inspiration. So it has been for me, and that friend, who passed from this life on June 11, was Carl Bauer.
Carl Bauer
Carl was raised in a comfortable and loving home, came to love politics and excelled in business. And as he reached the zenith of his business career, he lost most of his wealth. After that came numerous health problems, including the loss of his sight. Never once did I hear or sense a complaint about the hand he had been dealt. He was as upbeat on the last day I saw him as he was the day we met.
Carl would tell us all today that in spite of the challenges presented to him, he was a blessed man. And I know he considered that his greatest blessings were his wife, Mary Jane, and his children, whom he praised often. His passions were politics, in which he excelled, and writing, at which he would say he became proficient. I consider myself fortunate in being able to share both of those passions with him.
He cheered and mentored me in my short political career, then constantly encouraged me to join him in a writing class, and finally succeeded in getting me started chronicling my story. My greatest regret is that he won't be here to see the finished product.
Our country lost a great patriot, Louisiana a great statesman, and our community a great man. We should all aspire to be as much like him as we can. He was my hero.