Erwin H. Engert Jr. was born Dec. 14, 1937, in New Orleans, La. He died Thursday, June 2, 2022.
He was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School, then continued his education at LSU and LSU Medical School. After enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1963 he was stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola Flight Surgery School. He graduated December 17, married Julie Anna Canal December 19, and arrived at New River Marine Air Base in Jacksonville, N.C., Christmas Eve 1964. He served in Vietnam 1966-67 with HMM 265 Marine Helicopter Squadron.
Following his military service, he entered Radiology Residency at Charity Hospital in New Orleans. In 1972 he joined Warshaw, Cavin, and Carter Radiology Group in Lake Charles, and practiced until his retirement in 1994. He served as a past president of the medical staff at St. Patrick Hospital. “Dr. Buddy”, as he was affectionately known, worked another 15 years until his second retirement in 2018.
His greatest accomplishment, however, can be found in the life he built with his wife and two daughters. He enjoyed photography and taking many family vacations, capturing the memories as he went. Especially, in later years, he looked forward to the annual trip west to Chama NM for Blast and Cast—grouse and trout, with his favorite guide, Pat Carpenter.
He attended the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Church where he was a Lector for more that 30 years. Dr. Engert was a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, visiting Rome and the Holy Land in 2000, and served as Section Representative of the Southeastern Lieutenancy for the Diocese of Lake Charles.
He was predeceased by his parents, Erwin Henry Engert Sr., and Margaret Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Howell Engert; and sister, Margaret “Peg” Elizabeth Engert.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 57 years, Julie Canal Engert; two daughters, Michelle Engert (Barry Studer) and Amy Engert (David Brown); grandchildren, Brittany Weaver, Jaiden Paruchuri, and Juliana Paruchuri; and three great-grandchildren; as well as all those keepers of Buddy Stories, and especially his extended family, sister-in-law, Susan C. Burke and brothers-in-law, Richard and Marcus Canal and their families.
Honorary Pall Bearers: John R. Romero III, MD, The Rev. Mr. Milton P. ‘Micky’ White, Michael ‘Mike’ Terranova, and Michael ‘Mike’ Eason.
In lieu of flowers please give to the charity of your choice or the Engert Family Scholarship Fund at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, La., the Herpin Memorial Scholarship Fund at McNeese State University, Second Harvest Food Bank, or the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. (Information available at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net)
Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. Family to welcome friends at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Monday, June 13, 2022, beginning at 1:30 p.m. until time of service. Funeral Mass celebrated by Monsignor Jace Eskind and Monsignor Harry Greig to begin at 2:30 p.m. with inurnment to follow at Consolata Cemetery.
We invite you to leave a fond memory or sentiment of condolences on our website. www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.