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Raymond “Coach” Blanco, husband of the late Kathleen Blanco and former UL Lafayette administrator, passed away on Saturday at the age of 87. He is remembered as Louisiana’s only First Gentleman, having been married to former Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco for more than 55 years, and for his long-standing career, beginning as the head football coach at New Iberia Catholic High, and working as an administrator at UL of Lafayette for 46 years, retiring in 2009. Throughout those years, Blanco, known to all as “Coach”, served as assistant football coach, later dean of students, and finally vice president of student affairs. Coach was also considered a political powerhouse, working alongside his wife during her tenure as Governor from 2004-2008. He was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2019.

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder memorialized Coach Blanco, saying, “On behalf of the Louisiana House of Representatives, we remember and honor Raymond “Coach” Blanco. He was a smart, kind, devoted friend, legendary coach, mentor, and loving husband and father. On a personal level, I am honored to have known him and to share memories of his strength in politics and his compassion toward others. He will be remembered in our communities throughout the state for years to come. My condolences go to his six children and his family.”