Raymond Patrick Ladouceur's Obituary
Raymond Patrick Ladouceur, born on St. Patrick’s Day in 1927 in Motreal, Canada, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at the age of 81.
A pianist, Mr. Ladouceur spent most of his professional career entertaining music lovers on Bourbon Street in New Orleans using his stage name, Ray Ladd. He was featured nightly for years, first at Lucky Pierre’s and then at Begue’s in The Royal Sonesta Hotel. Even in retirement, Mr. Ladouceur continued to play his beloved piano at Restaurant Des Familles in Lafitte.
In 1955, Mr. Ladouceur recorded his first album with his father, Phililbert, who played the organ on the patio of Pat O’Brien’s in the 60’s and 70’s. His second album, a Nice Ladd, was released in 1977. It contains his original song, “Sideman”. The album cover describes his music thusly, “His is a rather economical style, modern and not at all obscure, impressionistic but not dissonant. A style that is of interest and can be listened to with the expectation of surprises and turns of whimsy.”
Mr. Ladouceur is survived by his children, Raymond Phillip Ladouceur, David Ladouceur, Laura Roberts and Diane Liebrader; his sister, Lucille Holdford; and eight grandchildren. His wife, Anne, died in 1994.
Funeral services and interment in Hope Mausoleum were private. E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, LA is in charge of arrangements.
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