Golden Deeds winner never sought limelight
*Change Year to 2006
Louis D. Curet, a member of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center’s Board of Directors and Chairman of the Foundation Board, was honored Monday night, November 13, as the 2006 Golden Deeds Award Recipient. In presenting the award, Advocate Publisher Douglas Manship Jr. cited Curet’s role in the fight against cancer, calling his efforts “unbelievable.” Curet is the 65th recipient of the award, presented by the Inter-Civic Council and The Advocate. The Baton Rouge Downtown Kiwanis Club nominated Curet for his commendable service and leadership in the local community. The following article appeared on 2theadvocate.com, the Advocate’s online news service, on November 14.
Louis Curet, who has devoted his time and energy to the crusade against cancer, was honored Monday as the 2006 Golden Deeds Award winner at a reception and banquet at the Baton Rouge Marriott.
Curet chairs the board of the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Foundation.
In 2004, he served as co-chairman for the capital campaign drive for Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. The drive raised more than $2 million to establish a TomoTherapy program in Baton Rouge, in conjunction with the LSU physics department.
Both Curet and his late wife fought cancer.
Curet is the recipient of the 65th annual Golden Deeds Award, presented by the Inter-Civic Council and The Advocate.
Curet, 78, is a native of New Roads and has been a resident of Baton Rouge since 1944. He practiced law for 55 years before retiring in December. He was married to Jean Harvey Curet and has one child and four grandchildren.“I’m overwhelmed, especially when I see the names of the people who came before me,” Curet said Monday evening.“I knew most of them. It really is inspiring to be in their company.”
Curet originally told other members of the Baton Rouge Downtown Kiwanis Club not to nominate him for the award, saying he didn’t believe he was worthy of such an honor.“I’m accepting with great humility,” Curet said. “If it’s going to be of benefit to other people to know you get rewarded for your service, it may encourage other people to act.”
Among other organizations served, Curet is a member of the board of directors of the St. Vincent dePaul Foundation and Our Lady of the Lake Foundation. Curet also is a member of the Baton Rouge Downtown Kiwanis Club and Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he serves as lector.
“As a daughter, I couldn’t possibly ask for a better role model and more wonderful example for myself and my children,” said Curet’s daughter, Jeanne Curet James.“We’re all very proud of him,” said his son-in-law, David James. Curet James noted her father’s faith and his commitment to serving others.“Through his and my mother’s example,” she said, “we can pass onto the children the spirit of doing for others.”
Doug Manship Jr., publisher of The Advocate, said Curet has done much for the community.“What he’s done for cancer is just unbelievable,” Manship said.“Like many of our winners, Louis likes to fly under the radar,” Manship added.“He asked his club not to nominate him. Luckily, they didn’t listen.”
Mayor-President Kip Holden, the dinner speaker, said Curet was not an ordinary man, but an extraordinary one. “I see him as an individual who could have easily given up,” Holden said, noting Curet’s and his wife’s fight with cancer.“He chose not to use any excuses. He has a commitment to helping others.” “He’s a David against a giant, Goliath, called cancer,” Holden said. “This city-parish is blessed by the presence of Mr. Curet because he’s truly making a difference in the quality of life for others.”