Christopher Colclough Lagarde

1953 - 2024

Christopher Colclough Lagarde

May 25, 1953 - August 1, 2024

Bay St. Louis, Mississippi - Christopher Colclough Lagarde died peacefully on August 1, 2024 with family at his bedside. His death came after a complicated and heroic 7-month battle with illness. In the days leading up to his death, he was alert and engaged with his family and friends.

Born on May 25, 1953, Chris was the fourth child of the late Frank and Marilee Lagarde. He is survived by his eight siblings and their spouses Frank (Suzanne), Mary (Pat), Jules (Roxanne), Melissa, Kevin (Diane), Andrew (Deborah), Alan (Haven), Lis (Lee), 27 nieces and nephews, 38 great nieces and great nephews, and about 40 first cousins and their families. Also part of his story is his former wife Vicki Ward and her children Levi and Jenna, with whom he remained in touch, and his beloved dog Jack, who he adopted after his friend Trish died. He is also survived by a large community of friends he loved like family. Waiting to meet him, along with his parents, are his sister-in-law Lisa Lagarde, and nephew John Lagarde.

Chris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi where he gladly spent much of his adult life. He graduated high school from Saint Stanislaus in 1971, and from Mississippi State University with a bachelor's degree in Forestry, and a master's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management in 1977.

In March 1991 he started working for newly elected Congressman Gene Taylor as special assistant for fisheries and natural resources, a position he held with pride for 20 years.

Outside of his job and after retirement, Chris had many meaningful roles around town--volunteering as the weighmaster at local fishing rodeos, running crab races at OLG's Crab Fest, visiting his sister Lis' students and the folks at Dunbar Village dressed as Santa Claus, picking up trash, recycling, spearheading beach cleanups, and leading walks through the marsh. Mardi Gras was as important to him as Halloween. MOMS ball was a favorite, and where he first met The Radiators. For years at Nereids he'd draw as much attention as the parade floats themselves with his big 1947 Chevrolet Thriftmaster truck blaring The Radiators, dressed in costume, feeding crowds.

Even as his eyesight failed, and his health began to decline, he remained a strong presence around town and connected to his friends and family He still loved to cook, and was quick to feed a crowd, and share leftovers with anyone there.

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Catholic Church on August 31, 2024 starting with visitation at 10:30, followed by Mass at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Outpost of Hancock County, 8013 Lakeshore Road, Bay St Louis MS 39520, and on their facebook page.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Christopher Colclough Lagarde.