A local state legislator thinks as highly of Ray Escuriex Sr. as does The Daily Iberian, which was proved Thursday afternoon when we honored Escuriex as 2017 Citizen of the Year.

The 86-year-old Escuriex was oh-so proud when Daily Iberian Publisher Christina Pierce talked about his accomplishments and life as an active above-and-beyond member of this community, a volunteer who still makes every effort to help. Sitting alongside his wife, Dorothy, at a table in the room, he listened in appreciation, as did the dozens of people in the crowd of family and friends.

There was a surprise turn to the  format of the annual recognition that coincides with our  Open House celebrating another birthday as the community’s newspaper, No. 126. Pierce told everyone there was a special guest in the house representing House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia.

Barras and his staff made the time in that, the first week of the Louisiana Legislative Session, to draw up a proclamation honoring Escuriex, who is well-deserving of any and all accolades. The proclamation was introduced as a resolution in the current session.

It was read to the crowd by Julie Romero, a legislative aide to Barras who called our publisher earlier that day to reserve a spot on the agenda for Citizen of the Year.

Men and women who attended the event applauded heartily after the proclamation was read. It was obvious New Iberia cares as much about Escuriex as Escuriex cares about New Iberia.

His life’s achievements were chronicled by Pierce and Romero. 

Following the proclamation’s long list of whereases, it read: “Therefore be it resolved that the House of Representatives of the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Ray Escuriex Sr., upon being named 2017 Citizen of the Year by The Daily Iberian, does hereby recognize and record for posterity his notable accomplishments and manifold contributions to Iberia Parish; and does hereby extend enduring appreciation for the tremendous pride and honor that he brings to his family, community and state. Be it further resolved that a suitable copy of this resolution be transmitted to Ray Escuriex Sr.”

I haven’t known Escuriex as long as many people around here but I have known him since 1976. I still remember his days as an auctioneer at outdoors-related events. He still has that outgoing personality.

Our paths crossed a lot in and out of town.

I remember quite a few years ago I saw him on Lake Fausse Pointe, steering his boat on a scenic stretch of water. Thank goodness. I was in my boat with a desperate need for outboard motor oil. I flagged him down and asked if he could help. No problem, he said. I’ll bet there never has been a problem for such a generous man.

That distinctive twinkle in his eye and that equally distinctive soft laugh never are absent.

You see him everywhere, involved in a myriad of causes and organizations. But like he said in his speech that prompted laughter and tears, it was about family, his own extended family (of which seven of nine children were on hand) as well as the family of volunteers in and around New Iberia.

Well, he is the father of both families, a true Citizen of the Year.

Congratulations, sir. I’m honored and proud to know you.

DON SHOOPMAN

SENIOR NEWS EDItor