Morehead State mourns the death of Dr. Gary LaFleur

Dr. Gary LaFleur, 71, associate professor of strategic communication at Morehead State, died Thursday, Sept.8.  

LaFleur began his teaching career in 1973 and came to MSU in 1991. Throughout his career, LaFleur won numerous professional awards and recognitions. He was given the Kentucky Communication Association's (KCA) Teacher of the Year Award in 2006 and the KCA Presidential Award for Distinguished Service in 2008. He was also a three-time winner of the organization's Distinguished Service to the Profession Award, winning twice in Kentucky and once while teaching at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He also served as KCA president from 2004-05.  

Survivors include his wife, Cathie Long, and children, Aubin (Craig) Whitaker, Alyssa (Nathan) Marcucci and James (Sheila) LaFleur; his sister, Doreen (Roy) Lapan; his grandchildren, Danielle, Alayna, Thomas, Frances, John, Louis, and Lucia; and one niece, Lindsay Lapan. 

A gathering of family and friends is Sunday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m., followed by a time of sharing at 4 p.m. at the Clark Legacy Center in Frankfort.  

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the MSU Foundation to support the Dr. Gary LaFleur Scholarship Fund for MSU students studying strategic communication. Memorial contributions can be mailed to the MSU Foundation, 121 E. 2nd Street, Suite 107, Morehead, KY 40351 or made online at https://alumni.moreheadstate.edu/LaFleur.