He was born in Anahuac, Texas on November 9, 1946 to Leslie Joseph Bertrand, Sr. and Ruth Savoy. Les, as he was known to everyone who knew him, graduated from East Chambers High School in Winnie, TX in 1964. Prior to his graduation he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1963 and converted to active Navy in February 1965. He spent 23 years serving his country in the Navy until he retired in in August 1986.
During his military career he served one tour in Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He served his country aboard the USS Hancock working on various types of aircraft as well as being part of the aircrew on the P3 Orion aircraft as a radio operator and inflight technician. He spent time in San Diego, Memphis, Chicago and finally was sent to Jacksonville where he finished out his Naval career.
After retiring from the Navy, Les worked for the City of Jacksonville as a fiber optic technician with JEA where he retired in 2011. Despite being retired, Les kept himself very busy with his involvement with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Jacksonville Chapter 1046. First he served as the Director of Public Affairs for the chapter and then ultimately served most recently as the President of the chapter. He was also active with the Patriot Guard Riders.
In addition to his extensive military service, Les never failed to make time for his family. He is survived by his wife of over 30 years Imelda Bertrand. In addition, he is survived by his daughter, Cathy Ghourley of Jacksonville, FL, his son Michael Ray (Janis) of Eau Claire, WI, his step daughter Jessica Sears of Jacksonville, FL, two grandsons, Christopher Ray and Nicholas Ray of Eau Claire, WI, his sister Betty Woods of Jennings, LA, and two brothers, Jim Bertrand (Hazel) of Kansas and Anthony Bertrand of Louisiana. He is also survived by many other friends and numerous Vietnam veteran brothers. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step son, Christopher Sears.
Funeral service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at Jacksonville’s National Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a military veteran charity of your choice.
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