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Regular Session, 2012 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 66
BY SENATOR PERRY
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of Leon D. Ortemond Sr.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the
Louisiana Senate have learned of the passing of Leon D. Ortemond Sr. on April 14, 2012,
at the age of sixty-five; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ortemond was a native of Erath and a long time resident of the
Leblanc Community; and
WHEREAS, as a graduate of Erath High School, he received athletic scholarships
to Tulane University in New Orleans and the University of Southwest Louisiana in
Lafayette; and
WHEREAS, in 1993, he was inducted into the Erath Hall of Fame in recognition of
his athletic performances; and
WHEREAS, with his boundless generosity and tireless dedication, Mr. Ortemond
cherished his family above all else as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; and
WHEREAS, he was the consummate patriarch and committed his life to the passion
of his family; and
WHEREAS, he had a collaborative and caring relationship with the love of his life,
Diana Romero, for forty-six years; and
WHEREAS, as consummate partners in life, they supported and cared for their
family with unending commitment and devotion; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ortemond is survived by his son, Lance David Ortemond and his
wife, Kelly; his daughter, Christina Franques and her husband, Andre; and six
granddaughters, Mary Catherine, Anna Grace, Jeanne Claire, Caroline Elizabeth, Laura
Anne, and Catherine Clare; and SR NO. 66 ENROLLED
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WHEREAS, he is preceded in death by his parents, Lula Belanger Ortemond and
Landis Ortemond; and his brother, Charles Ray Ortemond; and
WHEREAS, as a businessman, he was a successful and respected pioneer in the
oilfield and marine industries throughout the Gulf of Mexico, having founded and operated
several service companies in the past forty-six years; and
WHEREAS, throughout his career, he was a dynamic entrepreneur approaching
every aspect of his profession with charisma and vigor; and
WHEREAS, with his venturous and enterprising spirit, he was a commanding and
motivational force in his monopoly of corporations; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ortemond began his career in the 1960s which included offshore
drilling operations for Magabar Mud Company, Oil Base, Inc., and Sun Oil Company; and
WHEREAS, he subsequently founded Petro-Drive Oil Field Hammer and Casing
Company, where he served as president from 1976 to 1981; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, he founded and operated Mar-Con, Inc., an offshore crane and
oilfield construction company, and operated that company until 2003; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his death, he worked side by side with his sons and family
members operating D&L Salvage and Marine; and
WHEREAS, during his career, Mr. Ortemond developed and held several patents
relating to offshore pile driving, lifting, and crane installation services; and
WHEREAS, he exemplified his zest for life through his passion for all things aquatic,
notably offshore power boating and racing, having achieved a world record in power boat
racing from New Orleans to St. Louis, Missouri; and
WHEREAS, being self taught in his copious endeavors and with a constant eagerness
for knowledge and understanding, he was captivated with reading and research; and
WHEREAS, his extensive and diverse philanthropic efforts included cancer research,
education, athletics, government and law enforcement; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Mr. Ortemond, Louisiana lost one of its finest citizens
and a true gentleman who left an indelible mark on the lives of those he touched; and
WHEREAS, although his death left a tremendous void in his community and state,
his memory shall live on in the minds and hearts of all who knew and loved him. SR NO. 66 ENROLLED
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THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of Leon D.
Ortemond Sr., and does hereby recognize the incomparable legacy which is marked by the
deep pride and honor that he brought to his family, friends, community, state, and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Leon D. Ortemond Sr.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE