Gaston "Hoss" Philip Bergeron

Gaston (Hoss) Philip Bergeron, known as “Hoss” to his friends, “Butsy” to relatives and “Casper” to his father-in-law, Gaston passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2023. He was born on November 3, 1928 in White Castle, Louisiana. The family moved to Norco when he was 3 years old. He was the original “free range” child, spending hours fishing and hunting in the spillway, but became the ultimate “girl dad” to his four daughters: Deborah Mensay (James), Kathy Rosprim (Kevin), Elaine Sepulvado (Robert), and Janet Vidrine (James).

Preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife of over 60 years, Elaine Theresa Torres, his parents, Gaston Edgard Bergeron and Pearl Arabie Bergeron, his sister Bernice Marie Bergeron Boudreaux and her husband Ellis Boudreaux, his grandson Clinton Phillip Werth, his brother-in-laws Warren (Nellwyn), Leonard, Lawrence (Juanita), Stuart, Clarence “CJ”, and Shirley Torres; and sister-in-laws Mary Ann Marse (Clarence), Gloria Loupe (Alvin), and Lois Mae James (Herbert), and godchildren Michael Allen James and Clarence “Sonny Boy” Torres.

Survived by his four loving daughters, his grandchildren: Jennifer Sepulvado Robertson (Matthew), Dustin Andrew Werth, Bryce Landon Sepulvado (Donna), Elaine Vidrine Duke (Michael), Brett Bergeron Vidrine; and his greatgrandchildren: Sutton Catherine, Henry Matthew and Sawyer Elaine Robertson and Elliot James Duke. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws JoMarie and Donna Torres, godchildren Susan Baker Robin, Therese Torres Mosher, and Yvonne Becnel Madere, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

After attending the original Norco Elementary School on Apple St. and St. Charles Borromeo, Gaston graduated from Destrehan High School in 1945. He then attended LSU, graduating in 1950 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a lifetime supply of amazing stories about his life on campus. He was in the Army ROTC while in college (as well as the Navy….which is another interesting story). In 1951, he was sent to Korea where he served as a forward observer for the 159th Field Artillery Battalion. After completing his tour of duty in Korea and stateside, Gaston stayed in the Army Reserves and won many accolades for his pistol shooting ability. He finally retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975.

He began working for Shell Oil in 1954 at the Norco Refinery as a mechanical engineer. He rose through the ranks there, eventually transferring to the head office in New York City, then in Houston when the head office moved there. He moved to the Deer Park Complex to head up all maintenance and construction, then back to New Orleans as part of the LOOP project, and finally to Bakersfield, California as the maintenance superintendent. He retired on September 1, 1985 after a 31 year career.

After retirement, Gaston and Elaine moved to their weekend home in Wimberley, TX fulltime. They were both active in the community and St. Mary’s Church while there. Gaston was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion and the VFW. He and Elaine enjoyed traveling around the country in their RV, and were active members of SMART Cajun travel club. After Elaine passed away in 2016, Gaston returned to his hometown of Norco to live.

The family would like to thank the incredible caretakers who loved him and became a part of our family: Jilly, Nancy, Margie, Terry and Eskarleth – we owe you more than we can express. Thank you to his wonderful neighbors, especially Linda and Chippy Naquin and Camille Cambre, who kept an eye on him for us. Thanks also to Heart of Hospice for all their help over this last month.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Destrehan, LA. Visitation to begin at 10AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30AM. Burial to follow in the church cemetery.