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Sadie Mae 2

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Creole Center 12

Graduations 9

Creole Restaurants 10

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Vol. 30 #6Copy right 1987

Herman Alphonse Conant June—July 2018

A Catholic Mass of Christian

Burial for Herman Alphonse

Conant took place on Thurs-

day, May 17, 2018 at St. Rose

of Lima Catholic Church in

Simi Valley, California. Start-

ing the traditional Creole

Catholic service was the gath-

ering of family and friend

which set the tone of the day

with warmth and support for the solemn occasion. Family and guest were

greeted by Herman’s Church Family and the Simi Valley Knights of Columbus

Council 5803 which he was a fourth degree Knight and past Grand Knight of

the Knights of Columbus, a Navigator of the Fourth Degree and always an ac-

tive member of the Knights for ----- years. Rev. Father Joseph Shea, Pastor con-

ducted the services, concelebrated with Rev. Father Robert Garon, Pastor of St.

Didacus Catholic Church and Deacons Terrence Reibenspies and Deacon Peter

Wilson of St. Rose of Lima and Deacon Pat Coulter of Holy Cross Catholic

Church.

A recital of the Holy Rosary took place after the gathering and viewing in the

church, and in following the Catholic ritual Father Shea blessed the body of

Herman Alphonse Conant at the entrance of the Church as Herman fellow

Knights formed an honor guard procession up to the main sanctuary for the be-

ginning of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The Liturgy of the Word was deliv-

ered by Cheryl Ann Conant, Niece; Mrs. Clare Delto; Mr. Robert Smith, DGK-

Simi Valley Council 5803. The Rev. Father Joseph Shea delivered a 6 page

Homily that reflected the wisdom of the Word of God and the Catholic person

Herman Alphonse Conant was, a family man, a devoted husband, a father and

proud grandfather, official photographer, Military Man, fellow Knight and a

man of spiritual value to his friends and church family. With his words he took

us on an amazing journey of a devout Catholic person. Continue pgs. 3-8

Bayou Talk Newspaper Page 2 June-July 2018

Bayou Talk Mission Statement

The Bayou Talk Newspaper strives to provide news and content of interest

to Creole communities around the world and to the friends of those

communities. While our cultural heritage is rooted in the Louisiana French

Creole community, our goal is to appeal to all individuals who self-identify

as Creole, as well as to those who have a sincere and general interest in

Creole history, culture, traditions, and cuisine. So, whether you’re from

Cane River or the Caribbean, the West Indies or West L.A., wherever you

descend from, and whatever your ancestry, it is our sincere hope that you’ll

feel at home here at the Bayou Talk. We welcome you to our grassroots

publication and thank you for your interest in who we are and what we do.

Creole Heritage Day

January 22

Creole Heritage Month

October

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Page 3 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

The family brought forth the gifts as the Mass continued with an

emotional array of musical selections “Prayer of Saint Frances”,

“On Eagles Wings”, “Ave Maria” and “Going Home”. At the Fi-

nal Commendation and Farewell, Mrs. Chloe’ Conant wrote and

delivered the Eulogy, “Personal Reflection”, of her Father-in-Law,

which is included in this article.

Eulogy of Herman Alphonse Conant

By Chloe Conant

“Hello. It really is so comforting to look out and to see so many familiar faces. I know that Herman would

have been so moved and grateful to see you all here today. Thank you all, again, for coming.

For those of you who may not know me, my name is Chloé Conant, and I’m married to this guy right here.

Herman was my father-in-law, but I knew him as “Pop.” I first met Herman on Father’s Day weekend,

which happened to be the very first weekend I arrived in California nine years ago, and he and I hit it off

right away. We became great friends, truly father and daughter, and I loved him more than I am able to ex-

press to you here today.

Some of you may remember that when Douglas and I got married, my own father wasn’t able to attend the

wedding, and when he and I were talking about who might walk me down the aisle in his absence, my dad

and I both loved the idea of asking Herman to do the job. So I did ask him, and he agreed, and he even gave

me a special blessing, right down there, just before I married his son. It’s one of the most precious memo-

ries of my life. And it meant so much to me and to my father.

Herman was an incredible person, wasn’t he? He came into this world back in March of 1938, the son of

Florence and Roque Conant and the second youngest sibling in a family of seven. His brothers Joseph and

Ralph, his sister Catherine, and his half-sisters Ezora and Rosa Mae are no longer living, but today his sister

Veronica and his brothers Willie and Charles share in our profound grief and loss. Herman adored his sib-

lings and over the years I got to hear so many stories of each of them. He enjoyed sharing memories of his

childhood growing up in Natchitoches, Louisiana, of countless days spent at St. Anthony’s Catholic Parish

and School, and of fishing with his brothers on Cane River. He would often talk about his first job, working

at a dentist’s office in town when he was just eight years old, and about the drug store where he and his

friends would make milkshakes behind the counter after school. Then, later, he got a job working at the

Natchitoches Times newspaper, where his father and all of his brothers also worked. There was even a juicy

story about how he once shot his first cousin and best friend Ernest in the foot with a BB gun. But that’s a

story for another time… Continue pgs. 4-8

Bayou Talk Newspaper Page 4 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

The first film Herman ever saw on his own at the little movie thea-

ter in town was Gone with the Wind. Can you imagine? When he

first told me that, I was astonished, and I said, “Wow, that must

have been wonderful.” He said, “No, I cried the whole time!” I said,

“Why? Because it was so romantic?” He said, “No, because I was

all alone and I missed my brothers and sisters!” Isn’t that sweet?

Now, everyone who knew Herman knew at least two things about

him: He loved taking photographs and he loved being a member of

the Knights of Columbus. Those two passions took root in him when he was just a young boy. He often told

the story of how, when he was about 10 or 11, he was taking some of his very first photos on an old Brownie

camera when he caught sight of a particular group taking part in a street parade in town. Herman was fasci-

nated by the men who were marching alongside the local priests and wondered who they were and why they

were dressed the way that they were. He told me that, as he was snapping those photos of who he later learned

were members of the Knights of Columbus, he thought to himself, “I want to be one of those guys when I

grow up.” And that one event blended and solidified those two lifelong passions in his heart. The photo he

took that day is actually out there on one of the collages, so be sure to stop by and take a look.

When he was 16, Herman brought an army recruiter to his house to ask his mother’s permission to enlist in the

service. At the time, his mother refused, pointing out that he was too young to join up, and Herman wasn’t too

happy about that. He told the recruiter that he’d be seeing him in just one year, as when he turned 17, his

mother would surely sign the papers. He would laugh when he explained that he had made a plan to drive his

mother so crazy that year that she’d be sure to let him go when the time came, and it seems like his plan

worked, because, on his 17th birthday, Herman brought the recruiter back to his house and his mother Florence

quickly asked, “Where do I sign?” Herman was so proud of his time spent in the military, and often shared sto-

ries of his time in Thule, Greenland, where he trained as a medic and where he became a member of the

Knights of the Blue Nose, a distinction awarded to all those “Frigid Brothers” who had served at least three

months north of the Arctic Circle. Herman was a Knight before he was a Knight.

Everyone who knew Herman also knew that he had no greater lifelong passion than my mother-in-law, Jean,

his beloved bride of nearly 55 years. And most of you here know that Natchitoches was also the town where

they met, back when they were in grammar school. While they didn’t officially start dating until Jean was in

college, Herman told me that she had already made quite an impression. I once asked him what he most loved

about his wife, and shaking his head, he said, “She’s independent and she’s stubborn. I’ve always liked that

about her. And I once saw her dance at a party so long and so hard that she actually passed out.” Those of us

who have seen Jean on a dance floor can definitely believe that to be true.. Continue pgs. 5-8

Page 5 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

After they were married, Herman and Jean moved to California to join some of his siblings who were already

out here, and shortly after that, they settled for a while in Santa Barbara so Herman could attend the Brooks

Institute of Photography, where he majored in portraiture. From there, he was afforded the opportunity to do

an internship with KNBC as a television news cameraman, and that, as they say, was that. Herman loved his

time at Brooks and at KNBC, where he became an award-winning cameraman, taking part in many adventures

and capturing countless stories over the years, until happily retiring after more than 30 years with the com-

pany.

Herman and Jean were married for more than 15 years before they had children and Herman often talked about

how much fun it was being an uncle to his nieces and nephews over those years. He always spoke of each of

you with such great affection and with true excitement for whatever you were doing or hoping to accomplish

in your lives. He loved all of you so much and was always thrilled whenever he had the chance to spend time

with you over the years.

When Kevin and Doug did finally come along, it felt like a true miracle. After meeting with several doctors

over the years, Herman and Jean had actually been told that they wouldn’t be able to have children. The boys

were the two best surprises of their lives and became the greatest sources of Herman’s happiness and pride.

The family moved to Simi Valley from Chatsworth when Douglas was a month old, and Simi became their

home, and St. Rose became their parish. Herman’s Catholic faith was the bedrock of his life’s foundation and

he and Jean worked tirelessly to instill in their sons a deep sense of reverence for God, a commitment to ser-

vice and charity, and a strong sense of identity rooted in their French Creole cultural traditions.

When Kevin and Doug were in junior high and high school, Herman and Jean became heavily involved in the

school bands, with Kevin serving as drum major for a time and Doug performing as the drum line captain.

Herman and Jean would spend nearly every weekend taking Kevin and Doug to practice or band competitions

and they served for many years as Band Boosters at Sequoia Junior High School and Simi Valley High. They

so loved working alongside the other Band Boosters, including their dear friends, Gary and Linda Ballantoni,

and they believed in and adored all of the kids they spent time with

over the years, some of whom are here with us today.

As a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5803 and the

Father McDonagh Assembly 2557, Herman served alongside men

whom he truly counted as his brothers. I look out today and see so

many of you here and I know that he would have been so moved by

that. And he would have been so moved to see so many of our Yaw

Yaw Sisters. I know you know how much he loved each of you and

how supportive he was of our special group of Sisters and friends. Continue pgs. 6-8

Bayou Talk Newspaper Page 6 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

As many of you know, Herman wore a variety of hats

in both the Council and Assembly over the years,

even serving as Grand Knight of the Council back in

2005, but the hat he was most known for wearing

wasn’t actually a hat at all: It was a camera strap. Her-

man brought his passion for photography all the way

from Natchitoches, Louisiana straight into the

Knights of Columbus, and I know with certainty that

documenting the history of your brotherhood and

community was one of the most important honors of

his life. He loved you all; he loved serving alongside

you, spending time with you, and taking countless photographs of you all. Doug and I intend to do our part to

continue to carry on his legacy in that way. Herman couldn’t have been prouder of the fact that Kevin and

Doug were also his brother Knights and they are both more grateful for your friendship and support over these

past six weeks than you will ever know.

In closing, I’d just like to say a few words about the brightest light of Herman’s life over the past five years,

his granddaughter, our niece Mara Jade. From the moment Celina got pregnant, Herman fell in love with this

little girl. His smile became broader, his eyes had even more of a twinkle, and his heart seemed to expand in

his chest. He was there the day that Mara entered this world and there wasn’t a day that went by when he was-

n’t spending time with her or looking forward to spending time with her. Mara and her Paw Paw were the best

of friends and it was a privilege to see them together and to witness the special bond they shared. We know

that her Paw Paw left an indelible imprint on her young life and heart and that she will be a better person for

that.

My father-in-law was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and a man of great integrity,

warmth, and humor. He had such a grounded perspective on life and was a natural encourager. He wanted the

good for everyone, and had the best of hopes and intentions for every person he encountered. Even as he faced

the end of his life, through great pain and uncertainty, he remained peaceful, kind, and incredibly funny.

Last week our friend and Herman’s brother Knight Frank Wilhelmi remarked that Herman “was a willing per-

son.” And I think that’s such a perfect way to describe him and also to remember him. As a joyful person who

was always willing: willing to serve, willing to sacrifice, willing to share, to support, to teach, to listen, and to

love. It was an honor to be his daughter and to be with him, and with Jean, Kevin, and Doug, as he passed so

peacefully from this life. May we all take comfort in our countless happy memories and in the truly immortal

power of love that will remain with us and amongst us all.” Continue pgs. 7-8

Page 7 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

The Family published the following Obituary of Herman Alphonse Conant

Herman Alphonse Conant

March 7, 1938 – May 2, 2018

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Friend, and Brother Knight

Our dear loved one, Herman Alphonse Conant, 80, of Simi Valley, CA

passed away peacefully on May 2. He leaves behind his beloved bride

of nearly 55 year, Martha Jean (Metoyer) Conant, his two sons Kevin

and Douglas, his daughter-in-law Chloe’ and his beloved granddaugh-

ter, Mara Jade. Herman is also survived by his sister, Valma Veronica

(Conant) Metoyer, his brothers Willie Anthony Conant and Rev. Dea-

con Charles Reubin Conant, and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-

ceded in death by his parents, Roque Conant and Florence (LaCour)

Conant Llorens, his brothers Leo Joseph Conant, Ralph James Conant,

Roque Conant Jr. and his sisters

Ezora (Conant) Bryant Parker, Rosa Mae (Conant) Roque and Lena

Catherine (Conant) Colson Couty.

Herman, a United States Army Veteran, was an award-winning televi-

sion news cameraman for NBC for more than 30 years and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Coun-

cil 5803 and the Father McDonagh Assembly 2557.

Herman will be remembered for his warm smile, easy laugh, and kind and generous heart. He was a wonderful

storyteller who loved fishing, watching baseball, eating gumbo and meat pies and spending time with his fam-

ily and friends. He was a shining light in all of our lives and he will be dearly missed.

May Herman now rest in peace, and may we be comforted by our fond memories of times spent together and

inspired by the warmth and love he shared with us all.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Herman Conant Scholarship Fund

through the Knights of Columbus. Herman will be laid to rest at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Melrose,

Louisiana.

****

Before the “In Paradisum” the Final Commendation we experience an extraordinary moment only seen and felt

at a military person funeral. The playing of “Taps” and presenting the flag of honor by the U.S. Military Honor

Guards to Mrs. Martha Jean (Metoyer) Conant, widow of the decease. Father Shea prepped us for this very

moment in his homily when he expressed these words, “Herman as an enlisted member of the U.S. Army he

was on the tail end of what Tom Brokaw described in his book as the “World’s Greatest Generation.” Boy, do

I believe that! The majority of the men and women I have met from that generation are extraordinary people.

Their characters were forged on the anvil of sacrifice and suffering. They literally had to fight to preserve the

freedoms of this country. On a whole, they are people of integrity, courage, faithfulness, responsibility, gener-

osity and patriotism….Like other people of the “greatest generation,” Herman was a true patriot.”

Continue on pg. 8

Bayou Talk Newspaper Page 8 June-July 2018

Herman Alphonse Conant

The services ended as it started with Fr. Shea giving the final blessing at the entrance of the church as the fam-

ily received their guest in the parish hall under the hospitality of the Simi Valley Knights of Columbus Council

5803 and Fr. McDonagh Assembly 5227 Color Corp. At the repast the Knights presented the family with a

Chalice (Eucharistic cup) with Herman’s name on it, to be given to St. Augustine Catholic Church, Melrose

Louisiana where his final resting place will be.

I could not have chosen better words then what Fr. Shea chose to describe who my Uncle Herman was. His

kind and gentile demeanor was always the same. I don’t think I have ever heard his voice louder then and aver-

age conversation even in a crowded room. He not only treated me with the upmost respect, he respected the

person I was with also. He had a way of making you feel at home like family. While we will all miss him, it

will be comforting to think of him fishing on Cane River with his brothers Joseph and Ralph Conant. “Adieu

mon ami!”, Farewell my friend.

The Conant Family is working with two of Herman’s favorite charitable organizations, and is asking in lure of

flowers that you help to support these wonderful charities.

“The Herman Conant Scholar Ship Fund”, sponsored by the Simi Valley Knights of Columbus at 1255 Patricia

St. Simi Valley, CA 93065. The scholarship will be awarded to a senior in high school entering college.

“American Cancer Society” your local chapter, donation in the name of Herman Conant, Simi Valley, CA.

I would like to thank the Conant Family for allowing the Bayou Talk Newspaper to bring my Uncle Herman’s

story to you.

Page 9 June-July 2018

Graduation 2018

Congratulation to the Class of 2018

From

The Bayou Talk Newspaper

May all your dreams come true!

Bayou Talk Newspaper Page 10 June-July 2018

Crazy Creole Café 900 Long Beach Blvd. CA

564-507-5494

Take a break and have a meal in

the Bayou at one of our Bayou

Talk Restaurants near you…

“Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler”

Page 11 June-July 2018

Traditional Creole Food!

From the Restaurants in the Bayou

www.BayouTalk.com

Terrel A. Delphin, Scholarship NSU

Follow the Creole

Heritage Center on

Facebook ...

https://www.facebook.com/

CreoleHeritageCenterNSU

http://creole.nsula.edu

Terrel A. Delphin Scholarship A Northwestern State University scholarship honors the memory of an individ-

ual who worked tirelessly to bring awareness of the Cane River Creole culture to a national and international

audience. The NSU Foundation announced the creation of the Terrel A. Delphin Jr. Scholarship, initiated

through contributions to the Creole Heritage Center at NSU from the Delphin family and friends. Significant

support came the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc. (CRNHA, Inc.) to endow the scholarship at the

$10,000 level. The scholarship will be presented to a full-time Northwestern State student classified as a

sophomore or above with a 2.5 grade point average. Preference will be given to a student with a 3.0 grade

point average or higher. For information on contributing to the scholarship, contact the NSU Creole Heritage

Center at 318 357-6685 or NSU Office of Alumni and Development at (318) 357- 4414 or visit

northwesternalumni.com.

Bayou Talk will be off line for regular

scheduled updates, we apologize.

Page 12, June—July 2018

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Saint Hood

Prayer

Almighty God, may the

witness of

Nicolas Augustin Metoyer

and his

loyalty to Christ inspire countless men

and women to live the Christian faith.

If it be your holy will may a miracle be

granted through his intercession, so he

may be numbered among your Saints

Bayou Talk 2018 Publication Schedule and Themes January—Creole Heritage February—Mardi Gras; Love; Home March— Easter; Springtime Memories; Cycle of Life April—Travel; Adventure; World Cultures May—Mothers June—Fathers, Graduation July—Independence, Patriotism August—Friendship September—Faith, Aging October—Memorial Edition, Grief; Bereave-ment; Healing November—Food, Honoring our Military December—Christmas; Creole Holiday tradi-tions January 2019—Creole Heritage For more information on how you can submit and article, essay, or photograph to be consid-ered for publication in one of our upcoming issues, please read our Submission Guidelines.