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In Memory of Alan J. Matherne

Photo: Alan Matherne

Alan J. Matherne
May 22, 1957 – April 11, 2016

The LSU community is mourning the loss of Marine Extension Agent Alan John Matherne, 58, who died April 11 at his home in Larose. Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away after a brave, year-long struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He leaves behind two daughters, Janae Marie Matherne and Jani Marie Matherne of Larose; granddaughter Adalyn Claire Langford; sister Aischa Simon Prudhomme of River Ridge; brother Barry Matherne of Miami; and his mother, Enola Comardelle Simon of Bayou Gauche. Alan was preceded in death by his son, Joshua “Josh” Paul LeBlanc, and his father, Leo Matherne.

Born and raised in the community of Bayou Gauche, Alan was an avid outdoorsman who loved communing with nature. His love of the natural world led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in marine biology in 1981 from Nicholls State University. His dedication to teaching would later lead to a master’s degree in vocational education in 1992 from LSU. Matherne was employed as a Marine Extension agent with the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and the LSU Agricultural Center and from 1981 to 1997, where he served the coastal residents of St. Bernard, St. Tammany and Lafourche parishes. Matherne founded Mathco Computer in 1997 and worked in the private sector for more than a decade before returning to LSU in 2010, where he continued his Marine Extension work in Lafourche and Terrebonne until his passing.

Throughout his career, Alan was the epitome of a dedicated public servant. Always willing to help, he worked tirelessly to provide science-based programming to meet the informational needs of coastal fishermen, landowners, business, local governments and students. He was an avid reader, fisherman, diver, hunter, naturalist, teacher and communicator. He was a loving son, brother, father and grandfather and a friend to many. Alan lived by the golden rule and believed in the power of positive thinking and the importance of making a difference in people’s lives through education. He will be sorely missed by both family and friends.

“Alan embodied all of the strengths that have made Sea Grant Marine Extension such an effective model nationwide. He had a true passion for the communities he served. He was born, raised, educated and worked in the Louisiana coastal zone,” said LSG Director of Marine Extension Rex Caffey. “Without a doubt, Alan was an effective, engaged and trusted source of information.”

Samart-Mothe Funeral Home, located at 15510 W. Main Street in Cut Off, handled funeral arrangements.