Email
PrintLiving legends
Five of Tulsa’s esteemed longtime citizens share the trials, tribulations and triumphs that have shaped their lives — and shaped Tulsa.
(page 1 of 5)
What makes a city special?
Sometimes it is physical beauty, geographical attributes, artistic life, commercial bustle and prosperity.
But what builds a city’s character? Often it is the people who shaped it. Perhaps they molded it with their own characters.
Enjoy the following interviews with five Tulsans who have molded our city. Some communities would call them elders or venerable lions. We like to call them living legends.
Robert J. LaFortune
City of Tulsa commissioner of streets and public property (1964-70) and mayor (1970-78); instrumental in developing the city’s expressway system, massive land annexation, mapping the floodplain for flood prevention, building the Port of Catoosa and creating the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (working with John Williams for private-public funding)
Most important influence: My parents. They taught me to do what you’re supposed to do, do the best you can at every task and try to make each thing you do count. I heard my father say many times, “The joy of accomplishment.” Another important influence has been the Catholic faith. It has been a guidepost in my life.
Biggest mistake: Thinking I needed to study chemical engineering in college.
Proudest accomplishment: My marriage of 52 years and the family we have. (His wife, Jeanne, died eight years ago.)
The key to a long-lasting, happy marriage? Commitment.
Proudest professional achievement: Becoming mayor was the top thing in my life. I loved every day of it.
What he thinks about Tulsa: 1) Tulsa has terrific potential. 2) We worry too much sometimes about Oklahoma City. 3) It is not the job of a city to create jobs or industry. We provide the infrastructure and good environment so that people will want to live here and build businesses here.
Advice for young people: Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to learn where the action is in a city and in nonprofits.
Unfulfilled wish: Golf has been my big active sport and I enjoy sailing, but I wish I had been more of an outdoors person, getting involved with camping and hiking.
Favorite place in Tulsa: The Tulsa Performing Arts Center.
