Walter Bringaze

Walter Bringaze, a retired physician, died at home Monday morning, Dec. 28, 2009. He was 87, a native of Quincy, Ill., and a 53-year resident of Houma where he practiced obstetrics and gynecology until his retirement in 1990. While in college Dr. Bringaze obtained a private pilot's license in 1941. He enlisted in the Naval Air Corps in December 1941 and was commissioned as a Marine pilot in early 1943. During World War II, he served as a night fighter pilot in the central Solomon Islands and later as part of the forces occupying Japan. As a captain, he was released to inactive status after serving 49 months of active duty. After the war, he continued his education and graduated with a doctor of medicine degree from St. Louis University in 1952. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Charity Hospital and Tulane University in New Orleans. In 1956, he moved to Houma where he practiced until his retirement. The number of deliveries he attended approached 6,000. He is survived by his wife and real helpmate, Joan; four children, Mary Lee Bringaze, Dr. Walter Bringaze III, and Dr. Virginia Bringaze and husband Peter Cancienne, all of Baton Rouge, and Anne Bringaze, of San Diego. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Elly, Kacy and Grant Bringaze and Anna Cancienne, all of Baton Rouge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Walter Bringaze, of Quincy; brother, Donald, of Tulsa, Okla.; and sister, Evelyn Benyo, of Waterloo, Ill. Dr. Bringaze was a member of St. Francis de Sales Church where he was active in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and on the board of the Tri-Parish Community Pharmacy. He served as chief of staff of Terrebonne General Medical Center in 1971. He was a founding member of the Serra Club and Ellendale Country Club and served on the board of directors in the early years. He was an avid golfer and an excellent bridge player. He learned to play bridge as a teenager and continued playing until a few months before his death. Visitation at St. Francis de Sales Co-Cathedral, Houma, on Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 12:30 p.m. until a funeral Mass at 2:30 pm. Burial in St. Francis de Sales Cemetery No. 2. Chauvin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Vincent Community Pharmacy, 7385 Main St., Houma, LA 70360, Catholic Social Services, 1220 Aycock, Houma, LA, or a charity of your choice. To send condolences, www.chauvinfuneralhome.com.