Roland, affectionately known as “Frenchie”, was born September 26, 1937 to the late George Berthet and the late Denise Bazier Berthet. He was born in the central region of France in the small town of Palluau-sur-Indre. As a young boy, Roland learned the value of hard work and kindness and laid a path for himself to begin his life. He served in the French Army during the French Algerian war and was awarded citations for bravery. Following the war, he worked on the United States Air Base where he met the love of his life, Doris Hensley. They would soon marry and begin to raise a family of their own. It wasn’t long before Roland saw an opportunity to move his family to the United States, leaving his beloved France to start a new chapter in their lives.
They would eventually find themselves in Louisiana where Roland began working in the Oilfield, a career that would span some 40 years. Early on he worked with Roy Breaux Baycraft, but most of his career was with Cardinal (now Superior Energy). During those years, Frenchie as coworkers would call him, made lasting friendships that he cherished. The time would come that he would retire from the oilfield, but he never sat idle.
His children recall their father as a man who never stopped and always kept busy. He was a “jack of all trades” as Robert and Danielle called him and could do anything he set his mind to. Electrical, plumbing, construction…you name it and he did it. They also recall how generous he was, often placing others needs before his own.
Outside of his work, Roland gave of himself in ministry to his church, to youth organizations and to his community. He and Doris were Missionaries within the states, serving the Lord to make lives better for others. He also worked closely with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, often chaperoning activities for the children. And there were times that Roland took time out for himself and his family. One of his passions was riding his motorcycle with his son, Robert, and his son-in-law, Chuck, cruising the countryside. It was lasting memories for sure. Another pastime of his, one that brought smiles to his family was his baking. Roland was an excellent baker, known for some of the best homemade pies, pastries and biscuits around. It was said that he couldn’t make just a few pies, he made several of each to make sure everyone had enough. But it can be easily said, that above all else, Roland was most happy when he was with his family. He cherished every waking moment spent with them and they felt the same towards him. This humble man and kind man, who had a servants heart, leaves a legacy of faith, love, compassion and kindness that will live on in the hearts and memory of all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Robert Berthet, Cheryl Pace (Phil) and Danielle Gonsoulin (Chuck); daughter-in-law, Monica Berthet Brown; nine grandchildren, Christine Weber, Karla Clement (Ryan), Travis Weber (Erin), Cody Gonsoulin, Colette Pace, Brigitte Pace, Jacob Berthet (fiancée Bailee), Joel Berthet and Elise Durant (J P); six great grandchildren, Amalie Sumrall, Alyssa Romero, Averie Romero, Rhett Clement, Sammie Willis and Alex Willis; and his sister, Camille Berthet.
Along with his parents, Roland was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Hensley Berthet; his son, Alex Berthet, and his sisters and brother, Monique Bartolo, Bernard Berthet and Colette Berthet.
Funeral services celebrating Roland’s life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 24, 2021 at Evangeline Funeral Home. Reverend Jacob Berthet, grandson of Roland, and Reverend Keith Derouen will officiate. Following the service, he will be laid to rest alongside his wife at Beau Pre Memorial Park Cemetery.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and on Friday from 8:00 am until time of service.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Chuck Gonsoulin, Cody Gonsoulin, Travis Weber, Joel Berthet, Jacob Berthet, Phil Pace and Tave Lamperez.
Roland's niece Brigitte sent a loving message to the family, and they wanted to share it with all of you.
"Roland had a very big heart to contain all the love he had: Love to his American family and his adopted country and his Love to France and his family here. Everyone in France is in the pain of the loss of an extraordinary being who had known how to bring the love to the other to the highest perfection. He had a wonderful life. Very busy. He was able to overcome trials, difficulties of life with courage. Without ever complaining. He is a model for everyone, for all qualities of Heart he had: Courage, Love, Generosity, Sensibility, Discretion, Respect. We miss him so much. Love to everybody."
Family and friends are encouraged to share the memories and condolences with the family by visiting Roland’s memorial page at www.evangelinefuneralhome.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
