NEW ORLEANS – Local businessman Ray Brandt has passed away. He was 72.
A statement from the Brandt family asked for privacy.
“It is with great sadness that our family says goodbye to Ray Brandt, a man who was loved by many and cherished his family and the friendships he fostered over his well lived life,” the statement reads. “Ray, who was 72 years young, was surrounded by family and passed peacefully in his home.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date, according to the family.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued the following statement:
“Donna and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Ray Brandt. A true believer in providing a quality education for all of our children, he served our state faithfully as a long time member of the Louisiana Board of Regents and as chairman of the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission. He also lived to celebrate our culture and just a few years ago he served as king of the Mystic Krewe of Louisianans during the Washington DC Mardi Gras. Ray’s impact on our state will be remembered for many years to come. Please join us in prayer for his wife Jessica and their family and friends.”
House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement:
“Ray Brandt was a dear friend who dedicated his life to giving back to our community, and he will be remembered as a generous man who loved his family and lived to celebrate Louisiana and our culture. Jennifer and I are deeply saddened by Ray’s passing, and we will keep his wife Jessica and the entire Brandt family in our prayers. His presence in our community will be deeply missed.”
