Berwick "Buddy" Chauvin

Berwick "Buddy" Chauvin Obituary

Berwick “Buddy” Chauvin, age 74, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, love, and laughter.

A Memorial Service will be held for Buddy on Saturday, April 19th, 2025 at Ibert's Mortuary in Franklin, LA. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM at which time the services will begin. 

Born with the sky in his eyes and the sea in his heart, Buddy was one of the youngest pilots in the state of Louisiana. It perfectly captured his bold, free-spirited nature. Whether soaring above the clouds, diving deep with a camera in hand, or casting a line off the coast of Grand Isle, Buddy lived life in full color.

A true outdoorsman, he found joy in hunting, spearfishing, scuba diving, and running his charter fishing business, where many were lucky enough to experience both his skill and his signature storytelling. His underwater photography revealed the beauty he found beneath the waves, and his humor brought joy to all who shared time with him above them.

Buddy’s talents extended beyond the wild. In the professional world, he wore many hats: a respected banker, an insurance and financial advisor, and later in life, a dedicated public servant with the State Teachers’ Retirement System, also serving on the Louisiana State Boxing & Wrestling Commission. Throughout his career, he earned the trust and admiration of colleagues and clients alike through his sharp mind, steady guidance, and genuine care for others.

He was also an amazing cook, known for serving up unforgettable meals with some of the best recipes around. Whether it was a big family gathering or a casual Sunday dinner, Buddy’s cooking brought people together, fed the soul, and made memories that will be cherished for generations.

A gifted craftsman, Buddy could build anything with his hands. His woodworking skills were second to none, and whether he was making furniture, repairing something around the house, or crafting a thoughtful gift, everything he built carried his care and creativity. His handiwork—like his stories and meals—lives on in the homes and hearts of those who loved him.

Never one to let the truth get in the way of a good story, Buddy often claimed—with a twinkle in his eye—that he had played every sport at LSU, and as a member of Kappa Alpha, he collected more than a few unforgettable stories along the way. His tales were as bold as they were entertaining, and even when you knew he was stretching the truth, you couldn’t help but smile and listen.

But no title ever meant more to him than “Dad” and “Pawpaw Noose.” His greatest pride and joy was his family—a love he expressed through every shared moment, every laugh, every meal, and every life lesson passed down.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Robicheaux Chauvin; his children, Ben Chauvin and wife Lacy, Barbara Chauvin Hamilton and husband Bruce, Kyle Chauvin and wife Lacy, and Suzy Chauvin; his children through marriage, Eric Burson and wife Pilar, and Sean Burson and wife Julie; and his beloved grandchildren: Claire, Camille, Miles, Maxwell, Emma Kate, Josie, Amelia, Evelyn, Ru, Shea, Lexi, Rani, Peyton, Michael, Emily, Erin, and Sam.

He is also survived by his brothers, Mike Chauvin and JL Chauvin, along with a large and loving group of extended family and lifelong friends who will deeply miss his laugh, his wisdom, his stories—and his cooking.

He was preceded in death by his dear parents, Berwick and Evelyn Chauvin, whose absence has long been felt.

Buddy Chauvin lived an extraordinary life—one filled with purpose, passion, and more than a few great jokes along the way. May we honor him by living boldly, loving deeply, gathering often, and remembering that the best stories are the ones we live.