Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1952
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
John Chiasson Obituary
LAFAYETTE - Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 23, 2013, at a 1:30 PM Mass of Christian Burial in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette, for John Clay Chiasson, 60, who died on Saturday, August 17, 2013 in Nashville, TN.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.
Reverend Bryce Sibley, Pastor of Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Church in Lafayette will be the Celebrant of the Funeral Mass and will conduct the funeral services. Reverend Chester Arceneaux, Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Lafayette will Concelebrate. Lectors will be Stephanie Greenfield and Mary Anne Golon. Giftbearers will be his nieces and nephews. Karen Broussard, soloist, accompanied by Tom Niel, organist, will sing "Ave Maria", "Here I Am Lord", "Pie Jesu" and "How Great Thou Art" for the services.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Maureen Bare Chiasson of Nashville, TN; three sisters, Jill Jordan and her husband Ralph, Gay Hopkins and her fiancé Robert Mitchell, all of Lafayette and Julie Chiasson and her husband Bruno Borsari of Winona, MN; two brothers, Matt Chiasson of Lafayette and Bruce Chiasson and his wife Tracy of Abbeville; his beloved dog, Isabelle "Izzy" Jacqueline; mother-in-law, Rita Bare of New Iberia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Elmo Chiasson and Mary Jane Lanclos Chiasson; and father-in-law, Paul Bare.
John Clay Chiasson was born on September 3, 1952 and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana. After receiving a BFA from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL), he joined the Peace Corps, which brought him to Africa. The experience of teaching English to fourth and fifth graders in Burkina Faso, made him eager to explore the continent, which he did: as a photographer-film director in Niger, as a West African correspondent for the photo agency Gamma Liaison, as a freelance photographer living in New York City, and as an independent traveler. His photographs have appeared in a variety of publications, including the New York Times, Time Magazine and Newsweek and have won several awards for his work. He also published a book, "African Journey", which incorporated photographs of his travels throughout Africa.
He married the love of his life, Maureen, on August 2, 1997 and resided in Nashville, TN. John was very involved in the local and national music business, photographing musical legends for numerous album covers. He was an accomplished guitarist and enjoyed the many jam sessions he had with local musicians both in Lafayette and Nashville. His favorite past times were playing golf and interacting with the wildlife in his back yard. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews. John will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Pallbearers will be Matt Chiasson, Bruce Chiasson, Ralph Jordan, Peter Greenfield, Jr., Stuart Ottinger, Mike Conder, Gavin Duke and Hampden Mepham.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jake Chiasson, Dwight David, Christian Golon, David Conrad, Jack Spencer, David Maxwell, and Bobby Dean.
The family requests that visitation be observed in Martin & Castille's DOWNTOWN Lafayette location on Thursday, August 22, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Friday from 8:00 AM until time of service. A Rosary will be prayed by Reverend Jules Arceneaux on Thursday at 6:00 PM in Martin & Castille Funeral Home.
View the obituary and guestbook online at www.mourning.com
Martin & Castille-DOWNTOWN-330 St. Landry St., Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-234-2311
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Chiasson
Eva Reimers (Björkman)
May 24, 2014
My heart is very heavy when I try to write these words. I recently learned about John's death and was completely shocked. He was such an intense and lively person that it's difficult to understand that he's no longer among us. I met John in Dakar, Senegal on his African journey and in NYC. Nobody could grasp the moments like him, both with the camera and in life. He would charm everybody around him and was so curious to get to know people and see new places. I'm grateful to have known him, and will always cherish his memories. My deepest sympathy to John's wife and family. Thank you so much for sharing pictures from his life, it's a comfort to see his happy face among his loved ones.
Camilla MxGuinn
September 15, 2013
Dear Maureen,
We are devastated to learn that the love of your life is no longer with you. He was SO much to all of us!
You are daily in our prayers. Love, Camilla and Roger
August 26, 2013
We are very sorry to learn of the passing of John, but very grateful for his service to our nation as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
Our condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association
Nancy Cox
August 24, 2013
So shocked & saddened to hear about John, I babysat for the family for several yrs. when I was their neighbor in the late 60's, there was always a feeling of peace, joy & love in the family, my you now feel a sense of peace, joy & love, your family is in my thoughts & prayers!
Nancy (Calcote) Cox
August 23, 2013
Jill and family,
I am very sorry for your loss.
from your old neighborhood,
David Larson
D R
August 23, 2013
To the Family. Our family is sorry for your loss. It is hard to go through this difficult time, but it's good to know that we keep in our heart all the good moments, love, and care that we share with our loved ones. Romans 8:38, 39 says that nothing …. not even death is be able to separate us from God's love.
R. Pettigrew
August 22, 2013
With our deepest condolences.
John 11: 1-44
John Geldersma
August 22, 2013
It,s difficult to believe ....his smile should go on for ever ..//
Jolene Primeaux
August 21, 2013
Bruce - My prayers and condolence go out to you and your family. Remember that God stands by your side in this time of sadness and that He, with your parents, will welcome John into the Kingdom of Heaven. Jolene Primeaux, Enerquest Land Services.
Laura Gerami
August 21, 2013
Matt & Chiasson Family--I am saddened to hear of your brother's passing. May God bless and comfort you at this difficult time. You are in my prayers. Take care--Laura Gerami
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in John Chiasson's name
Memorial Events
for John Chiasson
Funeral services provided by:
Martin & Castille Funeral Home- Downtown330 St. Landry Street, Lafayette, LA 70506
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John Chiasson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
