Mr. Donald J. Guidry

At an early age it was evident that Donald was a natural leader. He had a take charge attitude that made people feel good that he was in charge. He had a way of making people feel they were making a contribution to the final goal. Goal setting was his attribute and solid positive solutions were his gift. People enjoyed the journey in accomplishing the goals that he had set.

His parents were Eugene and Irene Guidry. Donald was the oldest of 5 children with a 15 year age span. He had two sisters; Katherine (Paton) and Theresa (Himel) and two brothers; Glenn and Eugene. Being the oldest he developed a strong sense of responsibility, which was evident throughout his life. Donald enjoyed the love and friendship of his siblings and their spouses for his entire life.

As a young boy he grew up in the comradeship of the Colonial Sugar families. The closeness of this circle of families, gave him a wonderful sense of security. He was everyone’s friend and everyone was his friend. He was brought up in a family with a great sense of togetherness and love. His world included aunts, uncles, cousins and unrelated who enjoyed birthdays and holiday gatherings. These gatherings meant lots of fun, food, and love.

Donald graduated from Lutcher High School in 1962. During his four years there he excelled in his math and science classes. He enjoyed being a Beta Club president, student council and 4-H club member and a member of the Lutcher High Marching band. As president of Beta Club he was called upon to supply chicken salad for a school function. He and his group started with feathered chickens in the morning and by evening they had produced chicken salad.

Donald’s practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard during the week, but always allowed him to relax and enjoy his weekend away from school. His orderly nature and rigid study habits developed into his personal motto, “Do it right the first time”.He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering on May 27, 1967.

On June 10, 1967 Donald and Kathleen Mary DeGroff exchanged wedding vows. They moved to Metairie and Donald began his career as an electrical engineer with Boeing Company. He received recognition of appreciation for his work on the S-IC Saturn Booster and for his contribution toward the success of the Alpollo Mission. After two years of this challenging work, he took the opportunity to join a local company as a consultant engineer.

Donald joined the W. S. Nelson Company on April 1, 1970. He attained his P.E. license and continued his strong dedication to his profession. A client letter of appreciation summed up Don’s abilities, “Under Don’s leadership and supervision, the project’s success has far exceeded our expectations. His drive and determination coupled with his outstanding ability to anticipate potential complications minimized the numerous problems that normally would arise”.

In 1976 Donald was promoted to Assistant Vice President , to Vice President in 1980 and to Senior Vice President and Manager of Operations in 1991. He managed the Construction Management group and was named Manager of Business Development. His diverse workload also included work for P. T. Freeport in Indonesia. His positive “can do” attitude and enthusiasm is an inspiration. He worked for W. S. Nelson for 40 years.

Donald and Kathleen had three children: Leslie, Amy, and Rob. They were also blessed with six grandchildren: Sierra and Payton Guins, Luke, Kailey, and Seth Hebert and Emma Guidry. As they were growing up they always knew their “Dee” was there for them. In addition to being there to share their love, joy and disappointments, he was always there with logical, practical solutions to their problems.

Faith was an important part of Donald’s life. He was diligent in seeing that his children were brought up in the catholic faith and was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Church for 30 years.

As a LSU Tiger sports fan, Donald was true purple and gold. He was a football season ticket holder for many years and rarely missed a tailgate party. He followed the Tiger baseball games with enthusiasm and attended many of the games.

His favorite participating sport was dancing. When he heard his favorite songs, there was no stopping him---he had to dance. Donald and Kathy attended several years of ballroom dancing classes, but his best steps were his own. He loved to partner up with whoever wanted to “cut a rug”. His granddaughters were among his favorite partners.

For several years Donald built a model airplane that would prove worthy of flying. He spent the next few years learning to fly this plane. Thanks to his friends at the Spillway Flying Club he accomplished this goal. His grandsons also enjoyed some mornings in the spillway watching the flights.

Donald most favorite hobby was planning trips. He planned two trips to Canada, three trips to Europe, Cayman Island, and all throughout the United States including Alaska. In addition his work travels brought him to Austria, Australia, Indonesia, China, France, Germany, Canada and throughout the USA.

Donald passed away on May 20, 2010 at home. Donald fought a brave battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years. He is survived on his son, Rob, married to Kelly, his daughter, Amy and his daughter, Leslie, married to Troy Hebert. He is also survived by two brothers; Glenn (Joy) and Eugene (Melinda) and by two sisters; Theresa (David Himel) and Katherine (Roger Paton). Services were held at St Charles Borromeo Cathoclic Church with Father Harry Bolger officiating. Donald was laid to rest in St. Charles Mausoleum in Destrehan.

All who knew Donald had their own special reason for loving him: he was fun, he was positive, he would always help, he always had time and he could “get things done” . In life he set his goals and he found his way to accomplish them. He was loved.

OBITUARY

Donald J. Guidry, age 65 passed away at his home on Thursday, May 20, 2010. He was retired from Waldemar S. Nelson for 40 years and was an Electrical Engineer and Senior Vice-President. He has lived in St. Charles Parish for 30 years and a member of St.Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathleen Guidry. One son; Robert Guidry (Kelly); two daughters, Leslie Hebert (Troy) and Amy Guidry. Two Brothers; Glenn Guidry (Joy) and Eugene Guidry, III (Melinda). Two sisters; Katherine Paton (Roger) and Theresa Himel (David). Six grandchildren; Sierra and Payton Guins, Luke, Kailey and Seth Hebert and Emma Guidry.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Eugene Guidry II and Irene Simon.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 24, 2010 from 9:30 am until 11:45 am at the St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 noon from the church with Fr. Msgr. Harry Bugler officiating. Entombment will follow in St. Charles Mausoleum.

Donations may be made to American Lung Association, 2325 Severne Avenue, Suite B, Metairie, La 70001-6918 and Hospice Compassus, 2424 Edenborn Avenue, Suite 230, New Orleans, La 70001.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of H. C. Alexander Funeral Home in Norco.