Leonard Cary Saurage II

Leonard Cary Saurage II, known to his many friends and loved ones simply as “Cary,” passed away peacefully at home on November 4 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

 A true patron of the arts and generous supporter of his community, Cary’s name lives on in the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, a reflection of his lifelong devotion to beauty, creativity, and civic engagement. Cary loved fine art, landscape architecture, his family, his friends, dogs, and a well-poured glass of Chardonnay. He was known for his kindness, his gentleness, and his quiet civility, traits that led nearly everyone who met him to say, “He’s the nicest person I’ve ever known.” A veteran of the United States Army, Cary later devoted much of his life to philanthropy and cultural preservation. He not only collected art but also actively served in leadership roles with many organizations, including the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, the LSU Museum of Art, and Hill Memorial Library. His deep appreciation for nature and landscape design inspired his steadfast support of the LSU Burden Center and Magnolia Mound Plantation. 

Cary was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Lee Spaht Saurage and H. Norman Saurage, Jr., and his brother H. Norman Saurage III. He is survived by his brother Roland R. Saurage (Dean Bordelon) and sister Linda L. Saurage; sister-in-law Donna M. Saurage; and beloved nieces and nephews Susan Saurage-Altenloh, Stephanie Saurage, Hank and Laurie Saurage, Jennifer and Jim Moreland, and Matt and Catherine Saurage. He will also be dearly missed by his 17 great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, all of whom adored their Uncle Cary.

 Memorial contributions may be made to the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge to benefit the Cary Saurage Community Arts Center, 233 St. Ferdinand Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, or to the charity of your choice. 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, November 10 at 10:00 AM, at Roselawn Memorial Park followed by a Celebration of Life honoring Cary’s remarkable legacy of generosity, grace, and love of beauty.