Former Tulsa Mayor Robert LaFortune dies

Tulsa Mayor G.T Bynum confirmed on Facebook that his grandfather and Former Tulsa Mayor Robert LaFortune has passed away.

“Last night as the sun set over the city he loved, my grandad passed from this world surrounded by his family.” Mayor Bynum said in a Facebook post.

Bynum released the following statement:

“I can’t remember a time when my grandfather wasn’t my hero. I am grateful for all I learned from him about faith, family, and public service.” Bynum said. “He showed through 75 years of service to Tulsa what a positive impact one person can make for the good. And he approached his work at the City of Tulsa as a public service, not as a political opportunity. He made a significant contribution to nearly every aspect of Tulsa’s community life through tireless effort because he loved our city so much. Even at the age of 97, he remained excited about the city that Tulsa is becoming and believed that our best days are yet to come.”

LaFortune was born in Tulsa in 1927 and served as mayor from 1970 to 1978.

Prior to that, he served as Tulsa’s commissioner of streets and public property. Robert’s nephew, Bill LaFortune, also served as mayor of Tulsa from 2002 to 2006.

Robert’s grandson, G.T. Bynum, is Tulsa’s current mayor.

LaFortune Park was named in Robert’s father Joseph’s honor in 1960.

No word yet from the family on services.