Author
Robert J. LaFortune
Robert J. LaFortune served as the Mayor of Tulsa from 1970 to 1978. As a civic leader, he served with organizations impacting every aspect of Tulsa’s community life. Among the boards of directors on which he served as board chairman or president were: St. John Health System; Tulsa Area United Way; Tulsa Library Trust; Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust; Philbrook Museum; Boy Scouts of America local, regional, and national boards; Oklahoma Ethics Commission; and Cascia Hall Preparatory School. He was inducted into both the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and Tulsa Hall of Fame. LaFortune passed away in 2024 at the age of 97.
Hall of Fame Inductee
Recent Publications
Adult
Taking Care: The Good Life of Robert J. LaFortune
Tulsa native Robert J. LaFortune dedicated his life to serving others. He began his career in the oil and gas industry before entering the world of public service with seven elected terms—three as a commissioner for the City of Tulsa and eight as Tulsa’s 31st Mayor. LaFortune was known as a man of strong character. His handshake was binding; his words were genuine. Faith and family were the cornerstone of a life well lived. Taking Care is his story, told in his own words. Between the lines is a heartfelt and personal history of his beloved hometown of Tulsa.