Walter Gaudin

Walter Joseph Gaudin, the "Mayor of Cat Island," age 67, passed away on April 8, 2018 and is now happily fishing in heaven.
He was born February 16, 1951 in New Orleans, LA to Dorothy May Gaudin and George Francis Gaudin.  Walter proudly served as the "Mayor" and caretaker of Cat Island for the last 18 years.  Walter was a gracious host to all who visited the island.  Prior to Cat Island, he worked in the construction industry.   Over the past 20 years, Walter spent numerous hours volunteering for the AA hotline and attending meetings, assisting and encouraging others who have a drinking problem.  He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, cooking and exploring the barrier islands.  Walter was a loyal fan of the LSU Tigers.  Geaux Tigers!
Walter grew up in the Lake View area of New Orleans, attended St. Dominic's Catholic Grammar School, P.G.T. Beauregard Junior High and graduated from Warren Easton High School in 1970.
In 2015, a fire, which could be seen from the mainland, burned through 25 acres of marsh and woods of Cat Island. The blaze lit up the night sky for hours.  Longtime island caretaker Walter Gaudin and another homeowner tried to fight off the flames until help arrived.  The rains eventually reached the island, cooling off the scorched land at the spot Walter called his piece of paradise.  "If heaven's any better than this, I can't wait to get there," was one of Walter's favorite quotes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Leona A. Gaudin; and his son, Walter J. Gaudin, Jr.
Survivors include his brothers, Donald J. Gaudin and David J. Gaudin of New Orleans; Brandy Evans (Toot); Tyler Byrd, Logan Byrd and Caleigh Evans of Pearl River, LA; Dano Napoli, Brandy Napoli, Baylor Napoli and Bella Napoli of Olive Branch, MS; Gino Napoli of San Francisco, CA.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 19130 Commission Road, Long Beach is in serving the family and online condolences and pictures can be shared at www.riemannfamily.com