ENROLLED
2021 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 44
BY REPRESENTATIVE GAROFALO
A RESOLUTION
To express the condolences of the House of Representatives on the death of William
Thomas "Bill" Bergeron.
WHEREAS, it is with immense sadness and regret that the House of Representatives
has learned of the death, on February 2, 2021, of William Thomas "Bill" Bergeron; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas Bergeron was born on August 12, 1947, to Roland
Joseph Bergeron, Jr., and Helen Pitts Torres Bergeron in St. Bernard, Louisiana; he was a
graduate of St. Bernard High School; and
WHEREAS, after high school, Bill worked at his father's company, Bergeron
Machine Shop, Inc.; at twenty-three years old, he successfully negotiated a bid to build New
Orleans's iconic Steamboat Natchez; this project created nearly one hundred new jobs and
opened the door for the construction of both a new fabrication yard in Plaquemines Parish
and a dry dock along the Mississippi River; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bergeron and his brothers helped grow their small machine and
fabrication shop into an international marine services and manufacturing operation known
as Bergeron Industries, Inc.; among many other accomplishments, the company secured the
largest reported inland river barge contract in United States maritime history; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bergeron was also an active member of the maritime and civic
communities; he served as chairman of the board of commissioners of the Port of New
Orleans, and most recently he served as president of the board of commissioners of
St. Bernard Port, Harbor, and Terminal District; he was also involved in numerous
associations, including the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, the New Orleans Board of
Trade, and The World Trade Center; and
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WHEREAS, Mr. Bergeron received numerous awards for his many contributions to
the Louisiana maritime industry, including the C. Alvin Bertel Award, the Governor's
Lantern Award from Governor Dave Treen, and special recognition from former Alabama
governor, Fob James, for overseeing the construction of the most modern barge-building
plant in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bergeron was a parishioner of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos
Catholic Church in New Orleans and served on the church's pastoral council; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Bergeron will be best remembered for his contributions to the
maritime industry and for his infectious personality; he was a humble man who displayed
an unwavering commitment to his family and friends; and
WHEREAS, William Thomas "Bill" Bergeron leaves to cherish his memory his
beloved wife, Mary "Joyce" Holcombe Bergeron; his daughter, Tiffany Bergeron Cook, and
her husband Brian; his grandchildren, William "Wil" Scott Cook and Emily Taylor Cook;
his brothers, Roland Joseph "Jady" Bergeron, III, and his wife Linda, and Todd Allen
Bergeron, and his wife Cheryl; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family
members and friends; he will be deeply missed, but his legacy will certainly not be forgotten.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby express heartfelt condolences on the death of William
Thomas "Bill" Bergeron; does hereby acknowledge Mr. Bergeron's incredible contributions
to the Louisiana maritime industry and the health of the Louisiana economy; and does
hereby extend sincere hopes and wishes that his family find comfort during this difficult
time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of William Thomas Bergeron.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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