River Ranch developer Robert Daigle has passed away, his family announces

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Lafayette businessman and developer of River Ranch has died, his family announced on Sunday.

Robert Daigle passed away while surrounded by his family.

Daigle practiced as an attorney from 1975 to 1996. He represented developers, building contracts, and others in matters relating to commercial and residential construction and zoning issues, according to a flyer for a "Meet the CEO" event held by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2014.

Some of his accomplishments include:

• Managing partner of River Ranch Development Company
• Developer of the Village of River Ranch
• Developer of Sugar Mill Pond Development
• West Village Development Co-Developer with his son, Jordan Daigle
• The Village of River Ranch received the American Planning Association President’s Award for the most outstanding planned project in Louisiana
• The Village of River Ranch received the American Institute of Architects 2000 award for the most outstanding master plan
• The Village of River Ranch town center was named one of the fourteen great town centers and urban villages in the United States by the Urban Land Institute
• Received Hibernia Banks “Business Person of the Year” award for 2001
• Named one of the twenty-five most powerful people on the I-10/I-12 corridor by 1012 Magazine 
• Recipient of the 2004 “Patron of Architecture Award” from the Louisiana Architectural Foundation
• Litigation attorney from 1975 to 1996

Rodney Savoy, owner of RR Companies of America, said Daigle was a close friend and a business partner for more than 30 years. In a news release Sunday, Savoy said Daigle was a focused and determined individual.

"We worked together as a CPA and a lawyer and then became partners in real estate deals. Robert left his law practice. The River Ranch development started. I’ve never known anyone more focused on a project… What a success! Robert had a vision for many quality developments in great locations throughout Louisiana and other southern states. His passion was never deterred by the work he was going to do to make it happen!! Rest in Peace my friend," Savoy said.

Friends, family, and anyone whose lives were touched by Daigle are invited to honor his memory on Wednesday, Oct. 23:

Public Visitation: Martin & Castille Downtown Lafayette, 9 a.m. until funeral

Rosary Service: Martin & Castille Downtown Lafayette, 11:30 a.m.

Funeral Mass: St. Mary Catholic Church, 3 p.m.

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