Michael John Gaillard Jr.

Michael John GaIllard Jr. went to rest with Our Lord Jesus Christ Oct. 7, 2009.

He was born in Stuttgart, Germany on May 26, 1966 but was raised in Jefferson, La. After marrying he moved and resided in Kissimmee, Fla. for 10 years. He returned to Louisiana after Katrina in 2005 to be the primary caregiver to his only sister Elaine Ann Gaillard. He was a resident of Franklinton for the past 4-1/2 years.

A very loving and devoted husband to his soul mate, Karen Forest Gaillard, he was also a loving and protective father to Andrew Kaufman (Dixie Smith), Amber Kaugman Pinto (Felipe Pinto) and Ashley Kaufman. He was a doting grandfather to Izahay Manuel Pinto and Haileigh Jane Kaufman. He has always been a special angel to his parents, Michael Gaillard Sr. and Rose Marie Palmaisano Gaillard.

In addition to the family above, he is also survived by godparents, Margaret Tucker and Huber Gaillard, Roy and Bonnie Forest; also his godson, Justin Bonnette; aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Christian John Pinto and his faithful companion, Sebastain. Michael was always a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, serving as a member of the Pastoral Council, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a religious education teacher, an RCIA Instructor, Lector, member of St. Vincent DePaul Society, an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and an Oblate Novice of St. Benedict through St. Joseph’s Abbey.

Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 15 at Holy Family Catholic Church from 9:30 a.m. until time of the mass to be held at 11 a.m., with Father Peter Hammett officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery in Covington.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Holy Family Catholic Church are appreciated.