The news was stunning to the entire PR community in Kansas City.
Lorell LaBoube, 56, who just celebrated his ninth year as the Director of Communications at the Center for Practical Bioethics, has succumbed to cancer after a four-month battle.
There are nice people in the profession, but LaBoube was in a special league of his own. He took the Center for Practical Bioethics from a virtually unknown organization into one that today is known around the country.
Some highlights from his obituary in the Kansas City Star today:
* He was a devoted husband to his wife of 15 years, Diane (Soderquist) and father to his step children, Stephanie and Tim.
* He graduated with a BS in Public Relations in 1980 from the University of Central Missouri.
* In 2012, he received a PRISM award by the Kansas City Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America for his work in podcast communications.
* He was a longtime member of Toastmasters International, and for many years, Lorell hosted Health Talk on KMBZ radio, a weekly hour-long interview/call-in talk show.
* He did broadcasts of high school football and basketball games on sports radio 610 AM.
* Visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Overland Park Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf, Overland Park, KS 66212.
Contributions may be sent to the Center for Practical Bioethics/LaBoube Communications, 1111 Main, Suite 500, Kansas City, MO 64105. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.overlandparkchapel.com Arrangements by D.W. Newcomer’s Sons Overland Park Chapel, 8201 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS 66204 (913) 648-6224. D
The PR profession is diminished by his passing…
AGREE
I could not agree more, John. Anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him undoubtedly agrees.
SHOCKED AND SADDENED
I am shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of my friend Lorell LaBoube. We worked together on sports productions at teleCable of Overland Park for many years. He was a true professional and one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet . Rest in peace, Lorell.
SPECIAL PERSON
Lorell was indeed a special person. So excellent at what he did but even more important, so kind and caring. He will truly be missed.
KIND AND GENTLE SOUL
I am shocked to hear of Lorell’s passing. I worked with him at KCMW-FM for many years as he directed the news department. He helped many students get their start in the radio business. He will be missed as a kind and gentle soul with a smile to brighten your day.
TRUE GENTLEMAN
He will be missed. Lorell was a great guy, a true gentleman
SHOCKING NEWS
Totally shocking news. He was a wonderful person and PR professional. RIP
KIND WORDS FOR LORELL
I learned about Lorell’s prognosis just a few days ago and was saddened to hear that he passed away so quickly. He was the kindest and most delightful PR person I ever worked with. A true professional in every sense, Lorell’s dedicated work with the Center for Practical Bioethics helped us understand complex medical issues. His smile was infectious, his enthusiasm for life was clear, and he was a joy to be around. Our sincere condolences go to Diane, Stephanie, Tim, and his entire family and staff at the Center for Practical Bioethics. We at KCUR will miss him.
Well put, Stephen.
GREAT GUY
I’m sad to read this. God rest his soul. What a great guy!
FRIENDLY AND PLEASANT
I met him a few times around the studio. Always a friendly & pleasant person.
A GREAT LOSS
I got to work with Lorell when I was a reporter at the Star and he was with the Metropolitan Medical Society and the Center for Practical Bioethics. I also enjoyed running into him from time to time after I was laid off from the Star. He was an excellent source and a true gentleman, and I will miss him.
WONDERFUL PRO
So truly sorry to hear this. I worked with Lorell during my time in hospital PR and while he was a wonderful professional, he was also a wonderful person.
WILL BE MISSED
He will be missed and definitely not forgotten.
GENTLE SOUL
As someone who has worked in the healthcare marketing and PR field in the KC market for more than 17 years, I had the pleasure of knowing Lorell and collaborating on a couple of client projects. Lorell was a gentle soul and very passionate about healthcare and bioethics. Above all, he loved his family, and was so dedicated to his stepchildren. While he got the ultimate upgrade in life, KC truly lost a man who would have become a legend. God’s blessing to all he touched deeply.
LORELL WILL BE MISSED
Lorell will be missed by many-members of the medical profession, the sports community and the PR field. I first met him when he worked for the Metropolitan Medical Society of Greater Kansas. As a volunteer, he helped me write my first press release and I will never forget his easy manner, smile and the love he had for Diane, Stephanie and Tim. Whenever we saw each other we exchanged family news. Diane, he touched all of those he met and worked with throughout his career. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.