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won respect from colleagues and [[politician]]s alike for his persistence, writing abilities, and the fairness that he showed in his stories. [He] enjoyed researching government documents and covering press conferences and legislative hearings to provide a first-hand look at issues that affected the daily lives of citizens. [He] was "a friend to the reporters whose work he oversaw. He performed countless acts of kindness for his colleagues ...<ref name=obit/></blockquote>

won respect from colleagues and [[politician]]s alike for his persistence, writing abilities, and the fairness that he showed in his stories. [He] enjoyed researching government documents and covering press conferences and legislative hearings to provide a first-hand look at issues that affected the daily lives of citizens. [He] was "a friend to the reporters whose work he oversaw. He performed countless acts of kindness for his colleagues ...<ref name=obit/></blockquote>

LaPlante obtained a [[master's degree]] in journalism from LSU in December 2001 and thereafter taught introductory and advanced courses at his alma mater. He was a longtime leader of the Press Club of Baton Rouge and a [[Boy Scouts of America]] leader at St. Aloysius [[Roman Catholic]] Church. He directed his church's efforts to support [[Habitat for Humanity]], and he volunteered with the [[American Red Cross]] in the wake of [[Hurricane Katrina]], having distributed food to the downtrodden of New Orleans.<ref name=obit/>

LaPlante obtained a master's degree in journalism from LSU in December 2001, and he thereafter taught introductory and advanced courses at his alma mater. He was a longtime leader of the Press Club of Baton Rouge and the [[Boy Scouts of America]] at St. Aloysius [[Roman Catholic]] Church. He directed his church's efforts to support [[Habitat for Humanity]], and he volunteered with the [[American Red Cross]] in the wake of [[Hurricane Katrina]], having distributed food to the downtrodden of New Orleans.<ref name=obit/>

LaPlante died in the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, [[Texas]]. In addition to his parents and his children, LaPlante was survived by his wife, Merrill, nine siblings, and three dozen nieces and nephews. Services were held in St. Aloysius Church. He is interred at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge.<ref name=obit/>

LaPlante died in the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, [[Texas]]. In addition to his parents and his children, LaPlante was survived by his wife, Merrill, nine siblings, and three dozen nieces and nephews. Services were held in St. Aloysius Church. He is interred at Resthaven Gardens of Memory in Baton Rouge.<ref name=obit/>