He was born July 12, 1951, in Bell County, Texas (Fort Hood Army base) to the late Joseph A. Bertrand and Olita Marie ( Menard) Bertrand. Gary was a proud graduate of South Park High School, Class of 1970 and a resident of Southeast Texas. He was member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China, Texas.
Gary dedicated much of his life to hard work and service. He began his career as a firefighter with the Beaumont Fire Department, serving his community with courage and commitment. He entered the field of natural gas pipelining for many years. He later worked as a truck driver for local companies until his retirement.
Beyond his work, Gary had a deep love for his roots in Cajun music and was a member of the Touch of Cajun band along with his wife, where he shared his passion playing the Cajun accordion. He brought joy to others carrying on the Cajun culture and music at many dances including the Rodair Club. He was known as a hardworking man who deeply loved his family and cherished the time spent with them.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Helen Bertrand, his brother Gerald “Buddy” Bertrand, Robert “Bobby” Bertrand, his sister, Janet Dietz and his grandson Konlee Jace Mings.
Gary is survived by his son, Kevin Bertrand and wife Kylyn of Great Falls, MT; his daughter, Deanna Mings and husband Kenneth of Nederland; grandchildren; Kenlee Mings, Kendell Mings of Nederland, Esperanza Burbidge of Hill Air Force Base, UT; Nickolas Bertrand and wife Bethany of Great Falls, MT, great granddaughters, Freya Bertrand and Fiona Bertrand of Great Falls, MT, niece which he raised like his own, Christina Foux Fontenot and her fiancé Chad Ness of Billings, MT, and many nieces and nephews.
Gary will be remembered for his kind heart and his love he shared so freely with family and friends. His legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.
