Colin Michael Battard

Colin began his life on April 11, 2001, here in New Orleans. He lived in Georgia from the time he was a toddler through 1st grade when he returned to New Orleans. He attended Robins Elementary, St. Dominic School, Edward Hynes Charter School, and Holy Cross High School.

Colin always loved the outdoors and was born an adventurer. Even when he was infant, all you had to do was take him outside and he was happy. Growing up he had a passion for learning new things, he was always curious and was constantly asking questions. In Georgia he caught frogs and toads. He would put a frog on the toe of his shoe and walk around the backyard. He discovered lizards while visiting Florida and that obsession continued when we moved to New Orleans. As a young boy he concocted an elaborate catch, tag, study and release program for his lizards. His “lab” was under the raised house we were living in at the time, this went on for about two years. His grandmother, who was a local tour guide giving a city tour to a group of herpetologists actually brought them to visit his “lab”. Needless to say, they were impressed. Later as a teenager, he had a huge turtle tank with red eared sliders. His love of reptiles and all animals continued into adulthood. He had two ball pythons, a milk snake, and a cat named Miso.

Colin had a great attitude about the challenges we face in life. One of the earliest and most difficult challenges was being diagnosed at the age of 6 with Type 1 Diabetes. Despite that, he did not let that slow him down or take joy out of his life.

Colin was an extremely kind person. He was quiet, but if you listened, he had a lot to say. He tended to shy away from the spotlight, preferring to watch and listen instead. He was a wonderful judge of character. Colin saw patterns and solutions everywhere. Sometime that came through in his artwork, sometimes in a DIY project. Colin enjoyed creating, building, and repairing things, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Colin was just starting to make his place in the world, discovering places, new experiences and people he enjoyed. Colin chose to surround himself with great friends and they traveled and had amazing adventures skiing in Colorado and hiking all over the southwest and Arkansas.

Colin had an incredible work ethic. He was a long-time employee of Russell’s Marina Grill. While working there he learned so much about life, people and most importantly the value of hard work. He became the type of person you could count on. He really blossomed into an incredible young man.

Colin had an enormous loving family. In addition to his parents, sisters and grandparents, Colin had eight aunts, ten uncles, and 21 cousins. His was also building his own family of close friends.

Colin is survived by his mother, Theresa Rose LaCoste, his father, Frank Paul Battard, Jr., his sisters, Riley Battard and Molly Battard, and his grandparents, Alvin William LaCoste, Anita and Gary Helberg, and Patty Battard. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary Jane Brodrick LaCoste and Frank Paul Battard.

His kindness, humor, and love impacted us all and he will be missed. The world is a much better place for him having been in it.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Mass at St. Dominic Catholic Church, 775 Harrison Ave. in New Orleans, on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held at the church beginning at 10:00AM. The interment will follow the Mass at St. Louis Cemetery No. III on Esplanade Ave.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Louisiana SPCA Donate - Louisiana SPCA or the American Diabetes Association Memorial Gift | ADA (diabetes.org).

To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.