ENROLLED
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOL UTION NO. 224
BY REPRESENTATIVE CARTER
A CONCURRENT RESOL UTION
To express the condolences of the members of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the death
of H. Norman Saurage III.
WHEREAS, the members of the legislature were saddened to learn of the passing of
H. Norman Saurage III, on March 7, 2015, at the age of seventy-seven, after a courageous
battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; and
WHEREAS, born on December 31, 1937, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Mr. Saurage
moved to Baton Rouge with his family in 1941; while completing his elementary and high
school education, Mr. Saurage assisted his family with the family-owned coffee business,
Community Coffee Company, founded by his grandfather, Henry Norman "Cap" Saurage,
Sr., in Baton Rouge in 1919; and
WHEREAS, throughout his fifty-nine year career with Community Coffee Company,
Mr. Saurage worked tirelessly to build an enduring company that would serve as a resource
to its employees, customers, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Saurage was an innovative and resourceful leader of Community
Coffee Company; he helped pioneer products and packaging to propel the company forward
as the largest family-owned and operated retail coffee brand in America; and
WHEREAS, in 2008, the employees of Community Coffee Company honored Mr.
Saurage by establishing the H. Norman Saurage III, Legacy Award; this annual award was
created to recognize an employee for professional and personal contributions to the success
of the company; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, he authored The Community Coffee Story, 1919-2009, in which
he tells the story of the company in his own words to memorialize the ideas, efforts, and
successes of the people who helped establish the company; and
WHEREAS, throughout his well-lived life, Mr. Saurage was a man of action, and his
proactive stance made him a positive influence at all levels of his life; he had a passion for
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supporting civic organizations focused on public policy, advancements in education, and
various nonprofit organizations; and
WHEREAS, he also served as a dedicated member, director, and officer in various
coffee industry and trade groups; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Saurage was a man of wisdom who used his many talents, integrity,
and passion to help his local community, the parish of East Baton Rouge, and the state of
Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Saurage was the devoted husband, for fifty-seven years, of Donna
Maddox Saurage, and he was the proud father of Susan Saurage-Altenloh, Stephanie Saurage
Leijon, H. N. "Hank" Saurage, IV, Jennifer Saurage Moreland, and Matthew Saurage; he
was also a caring grandfather to numerous grandchildren and a great-grandchild; and
WHEREAS, with the death of Mr. Saurage, Louisiana has lost one of her finest
citizens, a deeply beloved individual who was known for his strength, intellect, and generous
spirit; and
WHEREAS, although the death of Mr. Saurage has left a tremendous void in his
community, his memory shall forever remain in the minds and hearts of all who knew and
loved him.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of H. Norman Saurage III; does
hereby record for posterity his singular contributions and outstanding achievements; and
does hereby express enduring appreciation for the pride and honor that this extraordinary
man will forever bring to his family, friends, community, and state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
to the family of H. Norman Saurage III.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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