Louisa McCune, the third executive director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, passed away this week due to cancer. McCune, who was also an animal rights activist, influencer, and award-winning journalist, made significant contributions to various causes throughout her lifetime. Her dedication and passion will be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to work alongside her.
Throughout her career, she has left a lasting impact and has shown exceptional leadership in the news industry. Her expertise and experience have made her a prominent figure in advocating for the welfare of animals.
She frequently appeared in news stories and endorsements for this newspaper in that role.
In 2019, McCune played a key role in advocating for the inclusion of a “no-kill” animal shelter in the MAPs4 package, which received widespread support from voters.
In an interview with The City Sentinel, she expressed her excitement about the opportunity for Oklahoma City voters to extend the city’s renaissance story to animals.
McCune expressed her excitement about the new facility, emphasizing the positive impact it will have. According to her, the facility will play a crucial role in reducing unnecessary euthanasia, improving the overall visitor experience, and providing a more compassionate outcome for animals. McCune passionately emphasized that the shelter’s transformation would be nothing short of remarkable.
Louisa McCune is pictured with her two beloved fur babies, Tara and Luna. Tara, a white fur baby, was adopted from the OKC Animal Shelter, while Luna, lovingly referred to as her “Newfy,” is also part of the family. This heartwarming photo captures the bond between Louisa and her furry companions. (Photo by Linda Earley/OKC Pets)
Oklahoma state House Democratic Leader, Cyndi Munson of Oklahoma City, was one of the first to send a tribute to CityNewsOKC (formerly The City Sentinel). In a statement on Monday, Munson expressed her thoughts.
Leader Munson expressed his condolences for the loss of Louisa McCune, who courageously fought against cancer, stating that Oklahoma City has suffered a significant loss.
“My deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time, particularly her three boys. Louisa dedicated herself tirelessly to championing the cause of animals and advocating for those who couldn’t speak for themselves, all in pursuit of creating a safe and compassionate future for all living beings. She was known for her immense kindness and intelligence, and her impactful contributions to the Oklahoma Animal Alliance will always be remembered and celebrated.”
“I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation to Louisa for her warm friendship and invaluable guidance. Throughout the past few years, I have had the privilege of getting to know her on both a professional and personal level, making me one of the fortunate individuals to have benefited from her dedicating her time, expertise, and passion to me. Louisa has always been someone I deeply admire, and that admiration will endure. Her legacy will be carried on through her beloved children and the remarkable contributions she has made to our community, state, and even the world. May you rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be greatly missed.”
Louisa McCune was a passionate advocate for protecting animals from abuse. She recognized the significant link between animal abuse and child abuse. Over the years, I had the privilege of collaborating with her to make a positive impact on our state. Her dedication and skill in bringing together advocates was truly remarkable. We will undoubtedly feel her absence and miss her valuable contributions.
Mayor David Holt expressed his deep sorrow on Facebook, acknowledging the profound impact that Louisa had on the community. He highlighted two significant chapters in her life that left lasting legacies. The first chapter was her groundbreaking work at Oklahoma Today, where she played a pivotal role in promoting and showcasing various aspects of our city and state that are now widely recognized and appreciated.
Louisa’s impactful contributions at the Kirkpatrick Foundation deserve recognition. Alongside Chris Keesee, she made significant strides, with her work on behalf of animals leaving a lasting impact. It’s important to acknowledge that without Louisa’s passionate advocacy, the city’s state-of-the-art animal shelter would not have been included in MAPS 4. Her legacy will endure for years to come, and her absence will be deeply felt.
Jim Roth, the immediate past dean of the law school at Oklahoma City University and a former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner, expressed his sadness over the passing of Louisa McCune on Facebook. He described her as an incredible person, who brought light and hope to various aspects of human and animal experiences in order to make the world a better place. He admired her spirit, intellect, and can-do attitude. Roth hopes that she rests in eternal peace and that her impactful work continues to make a difference for many years to come.
Louisa McCune played a crucial role in the Kirkpatrick Foundation by assisting in the publication of “Love Can Be: A Literary Collection About Our Animals.” This project, co-edited by Teresa Miller and published by the University of Oklahoma Press in 2018, showcases McCune’s significant contributions.
The Oklahoma Alliance for Animals shared a post on Facebook, stating:
We are absolutely devastated to hear the news of Louisa McCune’s passing. Louisa was a true champion for animals in Oklahoma, and her loss is deeply felt.
Louisa was truly indescribable. She embodied kindness, elegance, wit, intelligence, fierceness, and compassion. These words only scratch the surface of the vibrant life that she lived.
For many years, Louisa has been a passionate advocate for the arts and animal welfare in Oklahoma. She has been leading the Kirkpatrick Foundation, dedicating her time and efforts to these important causes.
She tirelessly advocates against cockfighting and fights for humane living conditions for farm industry pigs. She ensures that animal organizations, like OAA, receive funding to assist chained dogs and abandoned animals.
“Louisa dedicated herself wholeheartedly until her final days to create a more compassionate and benevolent world for both animals and people. Her impact will never fade away. Her radiant spirit and efforts will continue to inspire all those she touched, including our team at OAA. Rest peacefully, dear friend. We will ensure that your legacy endures.”
Steve Lackmeyer, a reporter for The Oklahoman, the largest newspaper in the state, wrote a news obituary that highlights the incredible achievements of McCune in his various endeavors. McCune’s contributions in the fields of journalism, philanthropy, and animal protection were extensively reviewed by Lackmeyer.
She had an impressive career as a reporter and commentator, working at well-known publications such as Harper’s, New York, Mirabella, George, Worth, and American Benefactor magazines.
As the editor of Oklahoma Today, she achieved remarkable success by winning an impressive 250 awards, including the prestigious “best magazine” award from the Society of Professional Journalists. Additionally, she spearheaded the creation of ArtDesk magazine, a platform dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and fostering exhibitions, education, and the promotion of creative literacy.
The USA Today newspapers continue to publish that magazine.
Christian Keesee, the chairman of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, expressed his admiration for the dedicated leadership that McCune brought to the organization. Keesee remarked, “We had a remarkable synergy as philanthropic partners. We had complete faith in each other and our respective skills.”
Louisa McCune, who was education director of the PAWs for MAPs 4 group, is pictured speaking outside City Hall during a MAPs 4 meeting in downtown Oklahoma City in a photo shared on Facebook.
According to Keesee, she continued her work for the arts and animal well-being until the week before her passing.
Louisa McCune had a genuine passion for helping those who were often overlooked by society. She didn’t need to assist only the most prestigious individuals; she was drawn to the underdogs. Louisa was a true champion for all, whether they were people or animals.
The Bella SPCA organization in Oklahoma City expressed their gratitude for Louisa on Facebook. They described her as a guide, mentor, trusted advisor, and above all, a friend. Louisa’s involvement with Bella SPCA resulted in numerous animals and their loving owners receiving the assistance they needed. The organization thanked her for all she had done not only for Bella SPCA but also for the various other animal welfare groups she supported. Louisa’s legacy will continue to thrive through the ongoing work of everyone involved.
In 2009, as the editor of Oklahoma Today, McCune bestowed the title of “Oklahoman of the Year” upon Dr. Ramona Paul, a prominent advocate for early childhood education.
Louisa, in her essay about Dr. Paul, expressed that describing Dr. Paul’s impact on Oklahoma as simply creating a better future would be an understatement.
Louisa McCune is no exception to this rule.
Louisa McCune, the executive director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, was captured attending a meeting of the Kirkpatrick Foundation Board of Trustees in 2017. A photograph taken by John Jernigan showcases her presence at the event.
In 1970, she was born in north central Oklahoma. After graduating from Enid High School, she went on to attend Colorado Mountain College and later the University of Colorado (Boulder). In 1992, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.
Her interest in journalism, which became her career choice until she joined the Kirkpatrick Foundation, was inspired by her grandmother, Louise Rucks. Louise Rucks, a columnist at The Oklahoman for over three decades, played a significant role in shaping her passion for journalism.
McCune leaves behind three sons who will carry her memory with them. The funeral service to honor her life will take place on Saturday, August 17th, at 1 p.m. The service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, located in the bustling heart of Oklahoma City.
Louisa’s exceptional career in the news industry has left a lasting impact, positioning her as a natural leader in advocating for increased compassion towards animals. Her wealth of experience has allowed her to shape public opinion and champion the cause of animal welfare. The photograph by Shevaun Williams beautifully captures her dedication and influence in this field.