Obituaries

Condolences

• 03/24/2025

  Louis Hannegan

  A man chopping firewood in his backyard wearing slacks, dress shoes, an Oxford, a vest and a tie—that's the image of Mr. Duplantier that most vividly sticks in my mind. That and the twinkle in his eye as he told another joke or story to his teenage kids' friends who had gathered at his house to watch a movie or go for a swim. In gratitude for your ready smile, quick wit, and generous hospitality, rest in peace, Mr. Duplantier. Be assured of our prayers. Indeed, it was just tonight that your daughter's godson filled in your name during our nightly prayers!

• 03/21/2025

  Paula Brown

  So sorry for your loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

• 03/20/2025

  Ria Ruthsatz

  It is an impossible task to write an obituary for the man who taught you everything you know about writing, and most of what you know about the world. It already feels like an eternity since it happened and yet I still feel like I could pick up the phone and call him. He was the first person I wanted to tell when I got some news this afternoon, and I imagine that grief will be ever-present. He understood me in a way that very few do. Like father, like daughter. Dad had the almost supernatural ability to know what you were thinking, and often joked that he could use that power for good or ill. I'm pretty certain it was always for good, and even though it wasn't fun to be on the other end of his verbal inquisitions I always appreciated his effort and desire to have those very real and sometimes tough conversations with me. He cared, a lot. One of those many conversations is why I'm married today. He always saw the good in people and believed in second, third, and probably fourth chances, etc. He was the smartest man I will probably ever know, and generous to a fault. He never had very much, but he would always share it while boasting that he was very rich - because he had his family. Dad never pushed us to go get high-paying jobs or to seek success, but he did expect excellence. I think that's clearly demonstrated in his 5 extremely strong-willed and talented daughters and his son who, next to my Dad, is the very best kind of man. There is no end to the things I owe my Dad, least of all is a better obituary. I'm certain he would understand though, and he would tell me that obituaries don't matter. He'd say to pray for him, and to keep everyone close. He'd remind us, like he often did, to wake up every morning grateful to be alive because he knew that every day was a gift.