In the midst of this difficult time and the swirl of emotions that each of you is traversing, I wanted to briefly reach out and let you know how much I admired and appreciated Raymond. In many ways, he epitomized for me what it meant to be a self-made man (a few times over even). From humble beginnings, and equipped with enviable ethics and values instilled by Oneil and Agnes, he forged his way in the world, fearlessly from what I could tell from a distance. While most of the family stayed close to home, Raymond, and you with him, ventured out. I remember a backyard swimming pool in Dallas, a mini-farm in Lafayette, a historic home in Gulfport, and exotic globe-trotting vacations. All these exploits of a sharecropper's son inspired me.
I also admired his sense of duty and commitment to family. As the eldest sibling, he looked out for the others. The story I remember is that when O.J. joined him at LSU, Raymond arranged a job for him at one of the cafeterias so he could be assured of eating. I remember his moving eulogy at Agnes' funeral. Of course you know all of this and so much more. I simply feel compelled to let you know that I grieve with you, and that I love and respect Raymond Landry. He was a good man. A good son. A good brother. A good husband. A good father. A good grandfather. A good uncle. And I count myself fortunate for having him, and each of you, in my family, and as an influence and aspiration in my life. Peace.
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