2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 111
BY SENATORS DONAHUE, ALARIO, ALLAIN, APPEL, BOUDREAUX, CARTER,
CLAITOR, COLOMB, CORTEZ, ERDEY, FANNIN, GATTI, HEWITT,
JOHNS, LAMBERT, LUNEAU, MARTINY, MILLS, MIZELL,
MORRISH, PEACOCK, PERRY, RISER, GARY SMITH, JOHN
SMITH, TARVER, THOMPSON, WALSWORTH, WARD AND
WHITE
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
passing of former New Orleans Saints Football running back, Hokie Gajan, and to
celebrate his sports legacy in the state of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, it is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the Senate of the
Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing of a favorite son, Howard Lee "Hokie"
Gajan Jr., on April 11, 2016; Hokie was a vibrant individual who touched the lives of others
in a positive and meaningful manner; and
WHEREAS, Hokie Gajan made his mark in the world as a multi-talented athlete and
an accomplished running back with the Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers football
team and with the New Orleans Saints franchise; however, Hokie was more than a football
player, scout, and sports broadcaster - he also served as mentor, father figure, and advisor
to many young men who struggled to find success in the world of high school, collegiate,
and professional sports; and
WHEREAS, Hokie was reared in Baker, Louisiana, in a large working class family;
he grew up as the All-American boy who excelled as a stellar athlete in four sports at Baker
High School and developed under the tutelage of Coach James C. Stewart and assistant
coaches, Larry Thomas and Milton Broussard; football was his element; and
WHEREAS, he was an athletic phenomenon, known as the "Cajun Kid" by local
sportswriters who noted his tenacity on the gridiron; he always gave 100% on every play,
and his leadership motto was "lead by example"; if Hokie was giving his all, then his fellow
teammates were encouraged to do the same; and
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WHEREAS, Hokie displayed outstanding physical prowess in all sports, but football
was his specialty and Baker High's Wedge Kyes Stadium was his springboard; he was a
force to be reckoned with in District Quad-A championship play, the highest ranking in the
Louisiana High School Athletics Association at that time; and
WHEREAS, in his senior year, Hokie was named Mr. BHS along with Miss BHS,
Judy Moak, his high school sweetheart; they married in 1979 and together celebrated
thirty-seven years of love and devotion; and
WHEREAS, college recruiters clamored to sign him; however, LSU Head Coach
Charles McClendon and then assistant coach Jerry Stovall recruited Hokie for an athletic
scholarship, and from 1977 until 1980, Hokie had a exceptional career total of 1,563 yards
rushing and was consistently ranked in the Top Ten for rushing statistics in the Southeastern
Conference; and
WHEREAS, Hokie Gajan parlayed his mastery of the game into a professional career
in the National Football League when, in 1981, Hokie was drafted in the tenth round by the
New Orleans Saints; he played running back and fullback positions for Coach Bum Phillips
with a career total of 1,358 yards rushing, resulting in eleven touchdowns; and
WHEREAS, Hokie received praise from his contemporaries and many well-deserved
accolades throughout his professional career; in 1984, he led all other NFL rushers in gained
yardage per attempt with 102 carries, 615 yards gained, and six yards per carry; and
WHEREAS, two separate knee injuries brought his playing career to a premature end
in 1987; however, Hokie joined the scouting staff to seek out new talent for the Saints and
also spent thirteen years as a college scout; and
WHEREAS, Hokie Gajan possessed those essential characteristics of leadership and
trust that brought out the very best performance in athletes; he encouraged young men, both
in the game and beyond it, to put forth their very best efforts, be strong and brave in the face
of formidable opposition, and work diligently toward achievement of their lifelong goals;
and
WHEREAS, in 2000, he became a color commentator for New Orleans WWL TV
and Radio and was host to outdoor TV shows on fishing and hunting; his outgoing
personality and genuine nature were the characteristics that defined his public legacy, plus
his down-home witticisms, such as, "He's so fast he could go rabbit-hunting with a hammer",
were amusing anecdotes that became known on the airways as Hokie-isms; and
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WHEREAS, he was also a popular pitchman for local corporate advertising; and
WHEREAS, Hokie remains a larger-than-life figure in the realm of Louisiana's sports
history, yet he will always be remembered for his kind heart, his accessibility as a player and
as a friend, his love of the outdoors, water sports, hunting, and fishing, and his "joy of life",
that enigmatic spark that still burns warmly in the hearts of all who knew him; and
WHEREAS, it is the memory of his passion for the game that shall be revisited from
time to time; the spirit of Hokie Gajan was remembered, along with the late Will Smith, at
the 2016 National Football League Draft ceremonies with heartwarming reverence by friend
and fellow New Orleans Saint, Deuce McAllister; and
WHEREAS, Gajan and Smith were both elected for enshrinement into the New
Orleans Saints Hall of Fame in early 2016; and
WHEREAS, Hokie Gajan had the good fortune to participate in high school, college,
and professional football careers all in south Louisiana, within one hundred miles of family
and home; it seemed that Hokie was always "at home" wherever he was, at ease with himself
and the world around him; and
WHEREAS, Hokie and Judy were blessed with four daughters: Jennifer Gajan-Mier,
Kristin G. Sell, Megan G. Trahant, and Alexis B. Gajan; eight grandchildren, and a host of
friends, colleagues, and extended family; and
WHEREAS, although Hokie Gajan has been taken from our midst far too soon, he
shall be remembered for his devotion to family, his friendly demeanor, warm smile, and
kindness to others as well as his outstanding courage and steadfast dedication to his faith,
community, and the sport of football.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby extend its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Howard Lee
"Hokie" Gajan Jr., whose legacy and influence shall be felt for many seasons to come at
fishing tournaments, hunting camps, and on the gridiron and sidelines of football stadiums
throughout this nation, from first whistle to final play his spirit will be there.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of Hokie Gajan.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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