John "Lapin" Winston Bertrand's Obituary
John “Lapin” Winston Bertrand passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at the age of 80. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 8, 2024 at St. Thomas Chapel with Father Corey Lavergne Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery.
At the request of family, visitation will be held Monday at Quirk & Son from 7:30 AM until time of departure for Services, with a Rosary at 11:00 AM by Father Wayne Duet.
John Bertrand, better known as Lapin, was a lifelong resident of Eunice. He and his wife, Pat, raised their children, Kip and Jill, in the heart of the city, where their residence was host to countless front yard football games with most of the neighborhood kids.
Lapin made his career as a printer and owner of his family business, Bertrand’s Printing and Office Supplies. He was a lover of large gatherings, where you were guaranteed to find him standing behind a pot cooking and ready to serve his delicious meal.
For several years, he hosted “Lopstock”, a family friendly event which featured Cajun food, fellowship, dancing and live music by The Boogie Kings. Lapin never met a stranger and made friends from all walks of life and of all ages because of his giving spirit; he genuinely lived to see others smile.
“Lapin” is survived by his wife, Patsy Fontenot Bertrand; one son, Anthony “Kip” Bertrand and spouse Holly Brown Bertrand; one daughter, Jill Bertrand and spouse Gretchen Toups Bertrand; three brothers, Frank Bertrand (Brenda), Willis Bertrand (Mona), Richard Bertrand (J.C.); six grandchildren, Gabriella Bertrand, Brianna Bertrand, Hayden Bertrand, Isaac Cortez, Molly Cortez and John Cortez.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J Aswell and Annabelle Billaudeaux Bertrand; one brother, Newton “Fig” Bertrand; one sister, Gwen Chambers; great-grandchildren Paxton and Maria Rose.
Gift bearers for the Mass will be Gabriella Bertrand, Brianna Bertrand and Molly Cortez. Pallbearers will be Hayden Bertrand, Isaac Cortez, John Cortez, Jason Bertrand, Brett Bertrand and Andy Bertrand,
Following the burial of Lapin, there will be a Celebration of Life at Kip and Holly Bertrand’s residence at 143 Shadow Lane in Eunice.
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