Longtime Louisiana biz journalist dies at 64

Charles Slat, a longtime business reporter and columnist for the Monroe News in Louisiana, died Wednesday at the age of 64 from leukemia.

Ray Kisonas of the News writes, “As his career developed, his expertise in subject matters such as finances, corporate taxes and even nuclear energy flourished. H. Douglas Chaffin, Monroe Bank & Trust president and chief executive officer, said Mr. Slat didn’t just report on financial news and other similar topics, he immersed himself in them.

“‘Charlie took the time to study finances so he could understand them,’ Mr. Chaffin said. ‘He had a sincere interest and I admired that a great deal. He always sought the truth and never deviated from the truth.’

“Although his razor-sharp sense of humor was ever present, Mr. Slat was never one to shout to be heard. In raucous meetings or loud gatherings, he would remain relatively hushed. But when it was time for him to speak, he did so quietly and eloquently.”

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