Michael Paul Bride JD

1945 - 2021

Michael Paul "Mike" Bride, JD, 75, died of respiratory complications in St. Tammany Hospital on Jan. 27, 2021.
Michael was one of many local nursing home residents evacuated from Lake Charles due to Hurricane Laura. Michael was the second of eight children born to Francis and Helen Connolly Bride. When he was a toddler, the family moved from Boston to Lake Charles, where he grew up in the era of "free-range" children. He attended Immaculate Conception School and graduated from Landry Memorial High School in 1963. Mike first registered at McNeese State College, earned some credits, then achieved the dubious distinction of being the last male student expelled for refusing to cut his long hippie-styled hair. He moved to New Orleans and the University of New Orleans to complete pre-law requirements, working in summers as an oil rig deckhand, tugboat deckhand, or industrial painter. When an oil field accident ended his drilling career, he changed direction and applied to Louisiana State University. Upon acceptance to LSU Law School, he moved to Baton Rouge and completed his law degree. He returned to Lake Charles and provided legal work as it came his way. He spent much of his time looking after his dad, and later becoming primary care giver for his mom. Michael was married twice and had one son with his second wife, Daniel G. Bride, who lives in Lake Charles.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, and five of his siblings: Thomas Andrew Bride of Sunshine, La, MaryAnne Bride Little, BSN of Baton Rouge, La, F.X. Bride, MD of Lake Charles, La, and John Edward (Jack) Bride JD of St. Gabriel, La. He is survived by his only son, Daniel; two sisters, Judith M. Bride, PhD and Patricia Bride Byrd (Gerald) of Lake Charles; one brother, James Henry Bride, BSN of Austin, Texas, as well as, sister-in-law, Patricia Lundy Bride of Lake Charles. His nieces, nephews and their children live in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, Austin, Dallas, Gulf Port, Jacksonville and London.
Due to the circumstances of hurricane carnage and Covid, a private memorial service will be held in the future. Memorial donations, honoring his memory, may be made to the Francis X. Bride Scholarship Fund at mcneesefoundation.org or the charity of your choice.