Forrest “Bubba” Broussard, 66, died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday September 19, 2023 in Walker, LA. Forrest was born on November 7, 1956 in Slidell, LA to John and Frankie (Moran) Broussard.
Forrest is survived by three children – John, James, and Jennifer, their spouses, and eight grandchildren. He also leaves behind four siblings – Ernest, John, Frank, and Sharon and their spouses/partners, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Barry and Joseph.
From a young age Forrest loved to travel. As a child he moved across the country to Alaska, then to the US Virgin Islands, and eventually moving back to Slidell, LA to finish high school and settle down. This turned out to be a brief pause in his travels as in a few years he moved with his family to Nikiski, AK. He spent many years working on the Alaska Pipeline, which allowed him the free time to travel across the US as well as abroad. Forrest was a chef and has cooked for friends, family, co-workers and strangers alike. He began his cooking career at McDonald’s, continued it at Ralph & Cakoo’s in New Orleans, and eventually opened his own restaurant, Bubba’s, in downtown metropolitan Nikiski.
In retirement Forrest combined both of his passions of cooking and travel with a steady schedule of visiting nieces and nephews and volunteering with GraceWorks in Alaska, visiting his daughter Jennifer and family in Hawaii, visiting his son James and family in Washington, and visiting his son John and his wife in Massachusetts. For all these visits he was accompanied by his constant companion, Big Bertha, his jambalaya pot!
Forrest’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday September 23 rd at the Seale Funeral home at 1720 S. Range Ave in Denham Springs, LA, with Visitation at 4pm and Service at 5pm. A reception will follow at the Kahunahana home in Walker, LA. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Forrest’s life.
12 comments
Julie Brumbaugh
October 22, 2023 at 6:40 pm
Bubba was one of the best people I know. He was always so positive and such a good friend, I miss him so much.
He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and I pray that they will have peace and comfort in knowing how loved they were. I know he will continue to be a blessing in their lives.
Jhenifer Wend (Jheni)
October 2, 2023 at 6:43 pm
I remember Bubba always serving with joy! Always serving with kindness and gratitude. I am grateful to had the chance to serve with him at GraceWorks and learn so much with him. I know one day we will all see him in heaven 🙏🏼 May the Lord conform each hear and give us grace. We will all miss you Bubba!
Laurie Sump
September 23, 2023 at 3:13 pm
I remember the first time I met Bubba in the kitchen at Graceworks. I was up early, volunteering for breakfast. I told him I wanted to help. He immediately put me on cooking scrambled eggs, probably to see what kind of cooking experience I had. Well, it did not go as well as expected, as the rest of the week and subsequent years, I was put on the fruit cutting area! He was truly an awesome and influential man, getting things done without stress! I will miss him!
Laurie Sump
Joseph Ferrante
September 22, 2023 at 4:00 pm
RIP my friend!!
So many adventures together and every time it was a pleasure. Forrest you will be sadly missed. My God love you and my sincere condolences to his Family.
Brenda King
September 22, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Bubba has a Savior, and although he always made you feel like he was serving you, he was ultimately serving Him who he is now with. It was such a privilege to know this man, but even more so know his Savior! See you soon buddy…
John 11:25
Tracy Irwin
September 22, 2023 at 3:24 am
His ministry to a person’s heart actually began as a ministry to the stomachs of those who served God in so many ways. When He entered heaven and sat at the Father’s Table…I imagine right then is when our Lord put a hand on Bubbas shoulder and told him, “ Well done, good and faithful servant”🥹☺️🥰
Don & Jean Thomson
September 22, 2023 at 2:32 am
Bubba graced our lives for many years in Nikiski
I first got to know him in an oilfield camp, then Nikiski and his restaurant. He is known for his “Community Thanksgiving Dinners”. He put his all into them just to bless less fortunate people.
Our highlight was when our daughter Danielle got married. Bubba offered to cater and cook his famous Jambalaya for her wedding _ big hit! Bubba’s heart was as big as his stature. We’ll miss you Bubba but we know you’ll still be a-cookin in Heaven!
Peace be with all the Broussard family. 🙏🤲
Deborah Carter
September 21, 2023 at 3:53 pm
The void he left behind in our hearts is huge. I cant imagine not cooking with him again at Graceworks. He was a special man and I selfishly wish he was here, but I know he is with his Lord and savior today. His kids And grandkids were the center of his life and he spoke about them often. He was so proud of his family.
Sheri Mason
September 21, 2023 at 5:39 am
Bubba was a wonderful, giving person. I feel so blessed to have had him in my life and will miss seeing him and following his “wandering”.
Chris Gatch
September 21, 2023 at 5:36 am
What a loss.
A wonderful guy who was kind and giving of his resources and time.
His yearly presence in Alaska will be missed.
My condolences to the Broussard family.
He talked about you all often.
Aiden Creed
September 20, 2023 at 11:20 pm
I enjoyed all the time I got with Bubba. I enjoyed the over 150 meals we cooked together. I enjoyed our lunches were we didn’t have to focus on cooking but could just talk. Bubba was a friend and mentor like no other. He is dearly missed.
Jay Knight
September 20, 2023 at 10:10 pm
Enjoyed serving with Bubba in GraceWorks. Great times over coffee in the mornings. Will miss him.