Herman Fig Newton Bertrand

Herman Newton Bertrand, known to all of his family and friends as Fig, passed away from this life in Lake Charles on March 14, 2013.

Fig was born December 13, 1947, in Eunice. He graduated from Eunice High School, earned a B.S. from McNeese State University, and taught business for two years at Sam Houston High School. Then he worked at the Social Security Administration for 25 years, followed by a ten year stint at Olan Mills in contract sales. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, devoted to his wife and family. His family and friends will remember him as a fun-loving practical joker who could weave stories and amuse everyone with jokes, often told with the Cajun flair learned from his life in Eunice. He also loved fishing and canoeing, spending many afternoons on the lake near his home. Many will remember the times they spent at the Bertrand home where Fig enjoyed entertaining, sharing barbecue, and watching sports. Most of all, Fig loved music and dancing.

Fig was an avid fan of the McNeese Cowboys with football season tickets and membership in the Cowboy Club. He was a greeter at Our Lady Queen of Heaven for several years, and he was a member of the Buccaneer Club for four years. He and his wife Cyn were charter members of Krewe des Amis, honored to be on Court as Duke and Duchess in 1985 and then as King and Queen in 1993. In addition, Fig enjoyed being a part of a Supper Club of dear friends since 1986.

Those surviving to cherish his memory are his wife of over 43 years, Cynthia Cyn Lafosse Bertrand of Lake Charles; one daughter, Alison Lee Bertrand Hebert and husband Brad Hebert; and Fig's brothers Franklin Joseph Bertrand of Gonzales; John Winston Bertrand of Eunice; Willis James Bertrand of Eunice; and Richard Paul Bertrand of Eunice. He was Paw Paw Fig to his three grandchildren Chance, Aubrey, and Anna Hebert. In addition, he leaves behind a host of dear friends who will miss him greatly and smile with fond memories of the love and laughter they shared with him. He was preceded in death by his parents Annabelle Billeaudeaux and Aswell Bertrand and his sister Gwendolyn Bertrand Chambers. The family is also grateful for the staff in Unit 51 at St. Patrick's who cared for him in his last days.

Pallbearers include Kip Bertrand, Jason Bertrand, Andrew Bertrand, Raymond Savoie, Al Burguieres, and Mark Goode. In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations made to the Alzheimer's Association for research at alz.org.

Fig's life will be celebrated on Sunday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home with Deacon George Carr officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Mausoleum in Eunice at 3:30 PM with Deacon David Guillory to officiate. Visitation will be Saturday, March 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will continue on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the start of the service.