New bridge to honor Guirard

A resolution was introduced at the Aug. 15 St. Martin Parish Council meeting to rename the recently-completed Bayou Mercier Road bridge for well-known Atchafalaya writer and photographer Greg Guirard.
A respected teacher and naturalist, Guirard’s books and photographs illuminated the life and culture of Acadiana and its people. He was an effective advocate for preservation of the Atchafalaya Basin and shared his vivid interpretations of Cajun culture with the world. Guirard, 80, passed away unexpectedly on June 2.
Introducing the resolution, Parish President Guy Cormier said, “This is a fitting tribute to a lost icon of our community.” Guirard owned property adjoining the bridge and allowed some of the large trees he planted long ago to be cut to make way for its construction.
Cormier remarked that he had planned to ask Guirard to cut the ribbon when the new bridge opened. With his passing, however, it was decided to forgo an opening ceremony. The two-lane concrete bridge was built to replace a dilapidated single-lane wooden bridge that was condemned and closed in 2013.
Guirard’s well known photography books, “Inherit the Atchafalaya” and “Atchafalaya Autumn” are considered among the best photo essays to bring the traditions and scenery of the Basin to the attention of the public. He taught English in high school in St. Martin Parish and Costa Rica and was a professor at ULL. In later years, Guirard salvaged sinker cypress logs, built furniture and made the lumber available to other area woodworkers.
Guirard’s life and work made him one of the most effective voices for the preservation and protection of the Atchafalaya Basin and the lifestyles of the people who love it and depend on its resources.
A final vote on the resolution is set for next month.