Obituary

THEODORE AUCOIN OBITUARY
Theodore "Ted" August Aucoin, Jr. died October 27, 2022, at Slidell Memorial Hospital. Born June 16, 1929, the only child of the late Ursula Dupuis Aucoin and the late Theodore A. Aucoin, Sr. The beloved husband of the late Jessie Ann Heyd Aucoin for 61 years until her death in 2014. Ted is survived by Bonita Johnson Aucoin whom he married on January 5, 2019. He was a native of New Orleans, LA and a resident of Slidell, LA since 1993. Ted and Jessie had three children - Harold Anthony Aucoin, Darlene Ann Aucoin Wagner, and Glenn August Aucoin. Father-in-law of Tara Cunningham Aucoin, Bradley Gerard Wagner, Sr., and Karen Desselle Aucoin. Grandfather of Brendan Daly Aucoin (Stephanie), Caitlin Heyd Henderson (Cody), Bradley Gerard Wagner, Jr. (Lindsay) and Jansen Michael Wagner (Brittany) and Great Grandfather of Bradley Gerard Wagner III, McKenzie Lynn Wagner, Harrison Rozene Aucoin, Mila Jane Henderson, and Skylar Jean Henderson. A first-generation college graduate, he stated that his greatest accomplishment was inspiring his three children to graduate from college and become professionals in their fields. In total, that inspiration resulted in 12 college degrees from his 3 children and 4 grandchildren. He served as Best Man for both his son's weddings and was grateful living to attend all his grandchildren's weddings. Ted graduated from St. James Major Grammar School in 1942, Samuel J. Peters High school in 1946 and attended Tulane University on a full scholarship where he received his Mechanical Engineering degree in 1950. He served in the Army during the Korean War with the 82nd Airborne Division. Following military service, he worked at Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corp. in Chalmette, LA for 22 years. He served in numerous capacities, with positions in Engineering, Technical, Industrial Hygiene and Medical Departments. He later was Vice President and General Manager of Thomas W. Hooley, Inc. and Schindler, Inc. and concluded his working career as a self-employed Consultant and Contract Engineer, retiring in 1998. Ted was a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Louisiana, an Industrial Hygienist certified by ABIH, and an Honorary Member of Pi Tau Sigma the National Honorary Mechanical Engineering Fraternity. He was a Life Member of ASME, Past Chair of the New Orleans Section, Chaired numerous Local and Regional Committees, Past Member of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Committee on Materials and Repair. He served on the NIOSH Committee for the development of a Criteria Document for Chloroform. He served on the ANSI Z-9 Industrial Ventilation Committee and the Z-88 Respirator Committee. Ted was a member of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and enjoyed many years teaching CCD religion to sixth graders, whom he adored. He was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus St. Luke Council No. 9973. His civic activities included serving on the Board of Advisors, School of Engineering Tulane University (1970-1977), the Board of Directors of Dona Villa Improvement Association, Area and Regional Governor of Toastmasters International and Founder and First President of the Chalmette Toastmasters Club, and Treasurer of "Save Our Slidell Memorial Hospital, Inc.". In his later years (2014-2018), he served as a volunteer at Slidell Memorial Hospital working in the Surgery Family Waiting Room lending compassionate support to the families of surgical patients. He was awarded "Volunteer of the Year" for his outstanding dedication and selfless donation of his time helping others. He was tough as steel yet compassionate. He demonstrated a strong faithfulness to commitment and a deep spirituality in his love of God. All acquaintances remembered his strong handshake and his magnetic blue eyes. In the memories of those who knew him best will linger his loyalty, honesty, and lovingness. In Lieu of usual remembrances the family requests that donations be made to the Slidell Memorial Hospital Foundation – Volunteer Services, 1120 Robert Blvd., Slidell, LA 70458 or www.slidellmemorialhospital.org/donate.