Longtime GOP leader dies after battle with cancer

A longtime Republican Party leader in Doña Ana County has died after a protracted battle with cancer.

Mike Laurance died Thursday in Las Cruces. He was 65.

Laurance was a former chairman of the county’s Republican Party and former southern regional political director for the Republican Party of New Mexico.

“Mike was a mentor to me and so many others,” said Ceil Levatino of Las Cruces, the state party’s 1st vice chair. “He remained committed to the Republican Party and involved in what we do until the very end. New Mexico lost one of its finest. We’ll miss him very much.”

Laurance was instrumental in organizing the county party’s effort to find and train watchers and challengers to staff every polling place. The new level of organization he brought was instrumental in exposing problems with the 2002 primary election that led to the indictment and later conviction of then-county Clerk Ruben Ceballos, a Democrat, on five felonies related to mismanaging that election.

The conviction drove Ceballos from office.

Laurance also frequently designed and printed, at his own cost, programs for the county party’s annual Lincoln Day Dinner.

“On behalf of Republicans throughout New Mexico, I salute Mike for his service to our party and his commitment to the principles on which we stand,” said state Republican Party Chairman Allen Weh. “His work was admirable, and he will be missed.”

Update, 3:50 p.m.

Here’s Laurance’s obituary:

Duncan Michael Laurance

September 18, 1941 – May 24, 2007

Duncan Michael Laurance lost his battle with cancer May 24, 2007. He was born in Dunedin, Florida September 18, 1941 to Jack and Marie Laurance. Marie died in 1948 and Jack re-married to Ruby. Ruby and his three brothers Philip, Robert, and Calvin survive him.

“Mike,” as he was known to his many friends, led an amazing, colorful, and diverse life. The term “renaissance man,” is often over used, but in Mike’s case – he truly was a “renaissance man.” He never stopped learning new things and mastering new skills. As a professional photographer, some of his clients included American Airlines, The Rolling Stones, and Richard Dreyfuss. Nationally recognized for both his editorial and photographic illustrations, Mike’s work appeared in such publications as Time, Life, Playboy, and National Geographic magazines. His work included directing advertising and PR departments for both Kodak and Bell & Howell.

Mike’s works have been exhibited at the International Center for Photography, the Kennedy Gallery, Boston Museum, and the L. A. Center for Photography. The Institute of Historical Survey Foundation in Mesilla Park, NM is currently archiving and cataloging much of his life’s work and there are future plans for an exhibit there.

Mike earned his Master of Arts from New Mexico State University in 1995, and was an instructor in the Photojournalism Department there. He was also very active in the Las Cruces Community Theater and served as President at one time.

Mike established a graphics design, advertising and photography business in Las Cruces, New Mexico and did contract work for various magazines, organizations, restaurants and tourism entities.

He was the Chairman of the Dona Ana Republican Party from 2001 – 2003, and worked with the New Mexico Republican Party as Grassroots Field Coordinator.

Recently Mike was a driving force in establishing New Mexico as a new powerhouse in the film industry. His efforts to bring media to the Mesilla Valley culminated in the Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University, which he helped found. His work as Director of Operations and tireless and patient teaching at NMSU and the Doña Ana Community College ensured the success of many students in achieving their creative goals. The Operations Center of the Creative Media Institute will be named after Mike as will an award from the New Mexico Film Office given to promising young filmmakers. A Memorial Scholarship in Mike’s name will be established at CMI with the initial endowment coming from Mike’s estate. His impact at the university and in the state will be felt for years to come.