Joseph Vernon Guitrau

God saw the road was getting rough and the hills hard to climb. He gently closed his loving eyes and whispered, “Peace be thine.” Joseph “Vernon” Guitrau, a native of French Settlement and resident of Head of Island, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2010, at age 71 after a battle with cancer. Vernon was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish with his sons and friends. He crawfished in the swamps by his home for more than 40 years. He loved being in his workshop repairing, building or creating things such as his green onion cutter and his well-known Cajun Dice Box. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends. He was known by nicknames such as “Paw-in-law,” “Short Arm” or just “Vern,” given to him by those who admired and loved him and whom he admired and loved in return. A former employee of Ormet Corp., Western Electric Telephone Division and Dravo Corp., where he was an electrician dock master. He was the former scout master of Troop 200 of French Settlement, past secretary-treasurer of Clio Sportsman League, lifetime member of the St. James Boat Club, past member of the Ascension Sportsman League, co-founder of Bayou Pierre Archery Club, owner of Amite River Tours, past-president of King George Recreation Center, organizer-president of the 5th ward Saints Football Team, past president of Maurepas Tip Off Club, treasurer of Lower Amite River Protection Association, past financial secretary of the Knights of Columbus 6753, charter member of Livingston Parish Historical Society, secretary-treasurer of 5th Ward Businessmen Association, past builder-owner-operator of Hill Top Inn, and a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. A special thank you to neighbors, friends and family members who assisted during Vern’s illness. Also thanks to Generations Hospice and a wonderful nurse, Kathy Moran. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Generations Hospice. Survived by his wife, Marion LaNell “Ginger” Guitrau; sons and daughters-in-law, Stephan and Ronda Guitrau, and Kevin and Lucille Guitrau; grandson, Nathan Guitrau and wife Amber; granddaughters, Tanya, Tiffany and Megan Guitrau; sisters, Mabel Phelps and Paula Brown; brother and sister-in-law, Tunney and Jewel Guitrau; sisters-in-law, Mary “Teen” Guitrau, and Linda Townsend and husband Don; brothers-in-law, Lew Jackson and wife Brenda, and Phil Jackson and wife Peggy; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also survived by his former wife, Marie Deslatte; and former daughter-in-law, Vicki Bovla. Preceded in death by his parents, Alexander David Guitrau and Esta Decareaux Guitrau; brothers, Donald and Raymond Guitrau; niece, Stacy Guitrau; great-niece, Sharie Matherine; brothers-in-law, Jimmy Phelps and Sydney “Red” Brown; sister-in-law, Doris Guitrau; brother-in-law, John Elmon Hobbs; and nephew, John Wiley Hobbs. Pallbearers will be Norman Knight, Eugene Severio, Trampas Severio, B.J. Phelps, Bucky Brown and Jeff Guitrau. Honorary pallbearers are Darryl Guitrau, Donald Lee Guitrau, Keno Munson, Jackie Robertson, L.J. Heath, Joe Melancon, John Dale Aydell, Ronnie Braud, Manny Simoneaux, james Scott, Tony Cochran, Glen Richards, crew of Lamendola Bulkheads, and members of Camp Henry “No Gun Hunting Club.” There will be a visitation at Ourso Funeral Home, Gonzales, Friday, Oct. 22, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m., conducted by the Knights of Columbus 6753. Visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church, French Settlement, Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. until a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., with the Rev. Jason Palermo, celebrant. Interment to follow in St. Williams Cemetery, Port Vincent. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.oursofh.com.