Craig Cyril Bernard

New Iberia - Private services will be held at a later date for Craig Cyril Bernard, 73, who passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on Monday, July 15, 2024. 

A resident of New Iberia and a native of Lockport, Louisiana, Craig Cyril Bernard was born on April 10, 1951, to the late Cyril Edwin and Edna Falgout Bernard. He lived most his of childhood in Cleveland, Ohio, then St. Petersburg, Florida then returned to Lockport in 1983. 

 Craig was a man of many talents - a jack of all trades with a very creative mind. He worked in construction for many years, building massive houses around the state all while doing wood working from home, making beautiful wooden indoor and outdoor furniture. He did plenty of woodwork on coast guard cutters while working at Bollinger’s Shipyard in Lockport. From there, he took on another level of creation and started a fiberglass boat business, Midnight Boats, building pirogues, mud boats, catamaran shrimp boats, house boats and so much more from his own backyard. 

 Saltwater Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico was Craig’s favorite pastime. His children and family will forever cherish the memories of their childhood fishing trips 40 miles or so offshore from his beloved Mako fishing vessel. His grandchildren, children, and son-in-law were his world. He spoiled them beyond measure. 

 Craig was one of the first 10 people to ever have open heart surgery in the United States at the age of five. He was a true jokester, a free spirit, and never let anything bother him. He lived his life carefreely in every aspect of his life. In his later years, he became a collector of all things and an avid Amazon shopper! He will be missed beyond measure. 

 Mr. Bernard is survived by two children, Jessica Louviere (Terrance), and Nathan Basnett; grandchildren, Bayle Champagne (Clay), Seth Louviere (Makenna), Trista Louviere (Jake), Camden Louviere, Freya Basnett, and Cassie Louviere; and great-grandchildren, Kace Cyril Louviere, Koen Louviere, Malaki and Lana. 

 The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Hospice of Acadiana for extraordinary care and compassion during his time at the Calcutta House in Lafayette. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Craig’s memory to Hospice of Acadiana.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).