LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) – The Louisiana Oil & Gas Association (LOGA) has announced the passing of founder and President-Emeritus Don Briggs. He was 82 years old.

Briggs passed away at his home in Lafayette on April 3, according to LOGA.

LOGA president Mike Moncla issued the following statement:

“Louisiana has lost a giant. Don Briggs was a titan in Louisiana’s oil and gas industry for over 50 years. Aside from starting LOGA from the ground up, Don was a dedicated father, a devoted husband, and a fierce friend to so many. Our hearts are broken, but we are comforted by the fact that Don is strolling down the streets of gold in Heaven with Jesus today. We wish to extend the Briggs family our most heartfelt condolences.”

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) interim president and CEO Jim Patterson also released a statement stating, “Our LABI family is devastated to learn of Don’s passing.”

“Over the years, LOGA grew and thrived under Don’s leadership and, in that time, our LABI staff had the privilege of working with Don to strengthen Louisiana’s energy sector. In addition to his vision and leadership at LOGA, Don was a man of deeply religious conviction who, in his retirement, actively assisted others as they struggled with personal challenges. He possessed a quiet, calm, and thoughtful demeanor that served his LOGA members so well at the Capitol. It would be an understatement to say Don was a Louisiana legend, and he will be terribly missed by so many of us. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Briggs family at this difficult time.”

Briggs’ family gave a statement on his passing as well:

“On behalf of the entire Briggs Family, I would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of prayers, love and support we’ve received in response to the loss of our father and friend, Don Briggs. He passed away in his home in Lafayette, LA, this morning. Don was a man of deep faith who left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His faith and passion for Louisiana drove him to a life of service that spanned more than 30 years and had a positive impact on the lives of millions. While his passing is a loss, his remarkable life and service to the community will be celebrated and remembered in our hearts forever. The family is not receiving visitors or meals at this time, but we continue to welcome your prayers and support. As soon as funeral arrangements are made, we will make the information available. In the meantime, any other condolences or inquires can be sent to giffordb@mac.com.”