"Taking Care: The Good Life of Robert J. LaFortune"

“We live a good life by taking care of things.” — 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 four as Tulsa’s 31st Mayor. As commissioner he worked for the funding approval of the Port of Catoosa and acquired the 2,300-acre port site. As Mayor he received approval of major bond funding for streets, traffic control, parks, water and sewer projects, and major expressway construction. LaFortune helped initiate the start of the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) and gained approval of 50-50 private-public funding of the $18 million Performing Arts Center. As a civic leader, he served organizations impacting every aspect of Tulsa’s community life including St. John Health System, Tulsa Area United Way, Philbrook Museum, Boy Scouts of America, and the Arkansas River Basin Development Authority. From providing invaluable leadership to local organizations and financially supporting worthy causes to implementing policy to strengthen the community and creating opportunities for local citizens, his impact continues to be felt today. 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. AUTHOR INFO: 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. G. T. Bynum served as the Mayor of Tulsa from 2016 to 2024. He was named Public Official of the Year in 2024 by Governing Magazine, and was inducted into the Tulsa Hall of Fame. G.T. is an executive in the Saint Francis Health System. He and his wife Susan are the parents of Robert and Annabel, the 6th generation of Bynums to call Tulsa home.