August "Gus" John Barbier Jr.

August J. “Gus” or “Augie” Barbier, Jr., age 86, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, February 20, 2015, at 10:00pm. Beloved husband of Verlyn “Lyn” Blancher Barbier for 61 years. Beloved father of Susan Anne Sullivan (Richard), Stephen August Barbier (Billie), Mary Kathryn Barbier, PhD, Mary Deborah Lewis (Greg), David John Barbier (Trudy), Mary Margaret “Peggy” Gundlach (Steve), Thomas Charles Barbier (Vicky), Michael Joseph Barbier (Terri), and Mary Christine Chase (John). Son of the late August J. Barbier and Esther H. Barbier and brother of the late Patricia B. Simmons (Jack). Also survived by 22 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, cousin Barbara B. Dildy (Gary), nephew Fernando Echeagaray (Donna), and a host of other cousins, nieces, and nephews. Gus graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1945 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from LSU in 1949. He served with the US Army Corps of Engineers in Alaska during the Korean Conflict, where he was instrumental in the construction of radar stations and an air strip for the US Air Force. After his military service, he embarked on a career in the commercial construction industry with Perrilliat-Rickey Construction Co. and its successor, Claiborne Builders, Inc. During that time, he was a member of the Associated General Contractors of Louisiana, Inc., serving as its President in 1986-1987; the Louisiana Associated General Contractors; the Louisiana Engineering Society; and the American Society of Civil Engineers. He spent the last 15 years of his career with the Archdiocese of New Orleans Building Office, retiring as its Director in 2003. While Director, he served on the Board of Directors of the Conference for Catholic Facility Management from 1999-2001. Gus was an active parishioner at St. Mary Magdalen Church for over 50 years, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and on the Building Committee and Pastoral Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Gentilly Council; a longtime Manresa retreatant; an Order of St. Louis Award recipient; and a member of the Croatian Benevolent Association. His greatest joy and accomplishment was his family. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral mass at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 6425 West Metairie Ave., Metairie, LA on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 11:00am. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00am to 11:00am. Interment will follow in All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Catholic Charities or the Second Harvest Food Bank. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.