--- title: Louisiana Golf Mourns the Loss of Michael P. Maraist description: March 26, 2024 | Maili Bartz Lafayette, LA – In the heart of Louisiana, amidst the fireworks of Independence Day in 1947, Mike Maraist entered the world with a bang, a symbol of the spirited life he would lead. Growing up in St. Martinville, his mischievous pranks brought laughter and occasional exasperation to his parents, … Read more image: https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/37481.jpg --- [![facebook](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-facebook.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/LGA1920) [![instagram](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-instagram.jpg)](http://www.instagram.com/lga1920) [![twitter](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-twitter.jpg)](https://twitter.com/LGA1920) [![youtube](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-youtube.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/LGAGolf) [![Search](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-magnifier.jpg)](https://lgagolf.org/search) [SEARCH](https://lgagolf.org/search) [POST A SCORE](http://ghin.com/) [JOIN LGA](https://join.ghin.com/r2jnzk) [![Louisiana Golf Association](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-LGA-Clubhouse-.png?width=250&name=h-LGA-Clubhouse-.png "Louisiana Golf Association")](https://www.lgaclubhouse.org/) [![Louisiana Golf Association](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/LGA_Golf_February2025/images/h-lgagolf-header.png?width=400&name=h-lgagolf-header.png "Louisiana Golf Association")](https://lgagolf.org/) MENU MENU - About Us - [History](https://lgagolf.org/about-us/) - [Staff and Board of Directors](https://lgagolf.org/staff-directory/) - [Employment](https://lgagolf.org/employment-opportunities/) - [Volunteer Opportunities](https://lgagolf.org/volunteer-opportunities/) - [Distinguished Service Award](https://lgagolf.org/distinguished-service-award/) - [Sponsorship Opportunities](https://lgagolf.org/lga-sponsorship/) - Membership - [Become a Member](https://lgagolf.org/memberships/) - [LGA Clubhouse](https://www.lgaclubhouse.org/) - [Member Club Benefits](https://lgagolf.org/member-benefits/) - [2025 England Trip](https://lgagolf.org/england-2025/) - [Post a Score](https://lgagolf.org/post-a-score/) - [Hole-In-One Club](https://lgagolf.org/hole-in-one/) - Competitions - [2025 Championship Schedule](https://lgagolf.org/2025-lga-schedule/) - [2025 USGA Qualifiers](https://lgagolf.org/2025-usga-qualifiers/) - [2025 Member Play Days](https://lgagolf.org/2025-member-play-days/) - [Men’s Player of the Year](https://lgagolf.org/mens-player-of-the-year/) - [Women’s Player of the Year](https://lgagolf.org/womens-player-of-the-year/) - [Championship Login](https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/1280573) - [Championship Results](https://lgagolf.org/championship-results-history/) - [Future Championship Sites](https://lgagolf.org/lga-future-championship-sites/) - Junior Golf - [Junior Tour Site](https://www.louisianajuniorgolftour.org/) - [Youth on Course](https://lgagolf.org/youth-on-course-overview/) - USGA Services - [USGA Championships](https://champ-admin.usga.org/player#/apply) - [Post a Score](https://www.ghin.com/login) - [Rules of Golf](https://www.usga.org/rules-hub.html) - [Course Rating](https://ncrdb.usga.org/) - [World Handicap System](https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/handicapping.html) - [GHIN Admin Portal](https://lgagolf.org/ghin-admin-site-hub/) - News - [Photo Gallery](https://louisianagolfassociation.smugmug.com/) - [LGA News](https://blog.lgagolf.org) ![Louisiana Golf Mourns the Loss of Michael P. Maraist](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/37481.jpg) # Louisiana Golf Mourns the Loss of Michael P. Maraist - Home - [Louisiana Golf Association News](https://blog.lgagolf.org) - Louisiana Golf Mourns the Loss of Michael P. Maraist [Admin](https://blog.lgagolf.org/author/admin) 03/26/2024 [News](https://blog.lgagolf.org/tag/news) [0 Comments](https://blog.lgagolf.org/louisiana-golf-mourns-the-loss-of-micheal-p-maraist#postComment) 2 Minutes **March 26, 2024 | Maili Bartz** **Lafayette, LA** – In the heart of Louisiana, amidst the fireworks of Independence Day in 1947, Mike Maraist entered the world with a bang, a symbol of the spirited life he would lead. Growing up in St. Martinville, his mischievous pranks brought laughter and occasional exasperation to his parents, Louis Francis Maraist, Jr. (Popee) and Gertrude Melancon Maraist (Mimi). The Maraist family later moved to Morgan City, where Mike’s charm and genuine kindness quickly made him a beloved friend to many. His journey led him to the University of Southwestern Louisiana, where he excelled academically, athletically, and socially. Graduating in 1971, Mike embarked on a remarkable career in finance, marked by his ability to connect deeply with people. His banking career took him across Louisiana, weaving stories and friendships along the way. Colleagues became lifelong companions as Mike went beyond business, remembering the details of their lives and cherishing each connection. His move to Acadiana Bank in Eunice at just 24 years old showcased not only his financial acumen but also his leadership qualities that inspired others. **A Visionary Leader and Philanthropist** ![](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/djd16130-1600px-web.png?width=600&height=400&name=djd16130-1600px-web.png) Mike Maraist’s impact extended far beyond banking. His $2.5 million donation to the Moody College of Business at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette created the Maraist Financial Services Lab, a testament to his commitment to education and community. This state-of-the-art facility, opened in 2018, stands as a beacon of innovation and learning for future generations of students. **Entrepreneurship and Community Involvement** Beyond his banking career, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished. He owned Timco Services, an oilfield services company, and later became the owner of Le Triomphe Golf & Country Club in Broussard, overseeing its renovation and establishing it as a premier venue for golf enthusiasts and tournament players alike. Mike’s contributions to the local community were recognized when he was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by ABiz in 2016. His vision, leadership, and commitment to job creation and community development were exemplary, leaving a lasting impact on the region. **A Gentleman and a Friend** ![](https://blog.lgagolf.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/mariast-dies.gif?width=629&height=420&name=mariast-dies.gif) Throughout his life, Mike Maraist embodied compassion, care, and genuine warmth. His infectious smile and kind demeanor endeared him to all who knew him. Whether on the golf course, in the boardroom, or within his family, Mike’s legacy of love, laughter, and leadership shines bright. As we remember Mike Maraist, we celebrate a life lived with grace, generosity, and a spirit of giving that continues to inspire us all. His memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched, reminding us of the power of kindness and the lasting impact of a life well lived. **For media inquiries, please contact:** Maili Bartz Director of Marketing and Communications maili@lgagolf.org --- #### Tag: [News](https://blog.lgagolf.org/tag/news) #### Share: - [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://blog.lgagolf.org/louisiana-golf-mourns-the-loss-of-micheal-p-maraist) - [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://blog.lgagolf.org/louisiana-golf-mourns-the-loss-of-micheal-p-maraist&text=Louisiana%20Golf%20Mourns%20the%20Loss%20of%20Michael%20P.%20Maraist) - [Follow us on Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.lgagolf.org/louisiana-golf-mourns-the-loss-of-micheal-p-maraist) - [Follow us on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.lgagolf.org/louisiana-golf-mourns-the-loss-of-micheal-p-maraist&text=Louisiana%20Golf%20Mourns%20the%20Loss%20of%20Michael%20P.%20Maraistdescription=March%2026,%202024%20|%20Maili%20Bartz&media=https://23548262.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23548262/Imported_Blog_Media/37481.jpg) --- #### [2024 Lake Charles Spring Classic: Drew Sliman Clinches Overall Boys’ Champion Title, Samantha Truong Impresses in Girls’ Division Previous Post](https://blog.lgagolf.org/2024-lake-charles-spring-classic-drew-sliman-clinches-overall-boys-champion-title-samantha-truong-impresses-in-girls-division) #### [LJGT April Player of the Month: Drew Sliman Next Post](https://blog.lgagolf.org/ljgt-april-player-of-the-month-drew-sliman) ### Leave a Reply --- ## Related Posts [News](https://blog.lgagolf.org/tag/news) [Maili Bartz](https://blog.lgagolf.org/author/maili-bartz) 18 August, 2025 #### [A Hole-in-One? 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