ANNA MONICA

Thinking of Professor Broussard There are many of us who remember him well. He was an influential part of many young lives for many years in so many ways, such as teacher, mentor and friend. He is Wilbert Broussard, formerly of Garyville and now a resident of Magnolia Place in Lafayette. Even though he is somewhat incapacitated at this time, Prof Broussard, as we all so fondly called him, does look forward to reading L’observateur where he sees and recognizes so many names from his 40 years of living in Garyville. For most of those years Prof Broussard was principal at Garyville Elementary and today most of his former students are parents and teachers who would not forget him either. Recently, I met up with Billy Broussard of Garyville, who was able to tell me about his dad’s service in the U.S. Navy during WW II where he saw lots of action in the Pacific, including the battle of the Philippines. Prof Broussard told of a Kamikaze hitting his ship and lives were lost but since the bomb didn’t go off, many other lives were spared. Billy knows for a fact that his dad was not a materialistic person and had a deep concern for others instead. “His values were in people, their learning how to better themselves, teaching and communicating. This brought him joy. That is how he lived.” Personally, I remember “Broussard Beach” behind the levee, a project of Prof Broussard’s which was open to any of us. Prof had roped off a sandbar that went about 60 feet into the water to use for swimming, built willow huts and a pavilion used to barbecue and for some time, youngsters really enjoyed what he called “the cheap man’s vacation.” Of course, this activity was carefully monitored and was safe. Prof was married to the former Martha “Marty” Brown and both were Acadian French. Theirs was never a care-free life since several of their six children had mental and physical challenges which the Broussards faced with love and dedication. Other offspring include Wanda Lee of Lafayette, Charlotte Perilloux of Garyville, Richard of Boutte and Andrea and Renee of LaPlace. There are nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A closely united couple, it was common to see them pass in their car with fishing poles hanging out the windows, going to enjoy a favorite activity. Marty has since passed away. Wilbert Broussard’s own offspring includes two sisters, Nola Guidry of New Iberia and Martha Wimberly of Scott. Brothers are John Nelson Broussard of Lafayette and the late Leroy. It is Nelson who reminds us that Prof Broussard would really like to hear from his former students, neighbors and friends in the Garyville area. Prof never taught me, but he did some of my younger siblings and I remember his encouraging my mom on their behalf. Some of his predictions for their future, which were positive, have certainly come true. As Prof Broussard would ride up and down the streets of Garyville on his bicycle, he always had a pleasant word or greeting for everyone he saw. If we stop to think about it, the streets are not nearly as full and pleasant anymore since he isn’t on them. So, I am pleased to give you his present address and know he will be looking forward to hearing from us: Wilbert J. Broussard, Magnolia Place, Room 200, 1511 Dulles Drive, Lafayette, LA 70506. I know that you, like me, wish him the very best. ANNA MONICA, a resident of Garyville, writes this column regularly for L’Observateur.