MAMOU - John Ralph Vezinat- Mamou, La. The man. The myth. The legend. John, also known as the Ginger Ninja, passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 73. He was an entrepreneur, philanthropist, artist, musician, and pilot. He had many successful endeavors throughout his life and a few duds that we won’t speak of.

He loved sweets, beautiful women, sci-fi movies, 2-stepping, Bigfoot, alien conspiracies, guns, The Weather Channel and Old Kentucky straight. Not necessarily in that order.  He hated politics, teenage drivers and waiting. Not necessarily in that order.

He was an avid gun collector and an expert marksman, who could shoot a bumble bee out of the air. He loved fishing and hunting but wasn’t really good at either. He brought joy, laughter and whiskey to every adventure, and he had the ability to make an uncomfortable situation even worse. He believed everything could be fixed with caulk and duct tape, and if couldn’t it “ain’t worth a damn”. John loved to tell stories, and you could be sure 50% of every story was true. You just never knew which 50%.

 When John took off to that party in the sky, he left behind his children (the ones we know of) Christopher Vezinat (Leah) of Glenmora, Jamie Jaech (Ben) of Lafayette and Ashley Terry (Mitchell) of Stonewall. His 4 delightful granddaughters: Emily, Heather, Haley and Olivia and one great-grandson Elijah. His brother from another mother Richard Vizina. His goddaughters that he loved like they were his own Josette (Don) Thibeaux and Simone (Santos) Sauceda along with several nieces and nephews. 

He was welcomed home with open arms by his parents Gilbert and Euna Vezinat, and his beautiful wife Leona who put up with his shenanigans for 40 years.

 John was killed while trying to install his subwoofer on his John Deer tractor.  Or maybe not.

The family will be celebrating his life in a private undisclosed location. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you pay it forward buy a stranger groceries, coffee or lunch, cut someone’s lawn or help someone in need. John would want to spread the goodness in the world.

Family and friends may send condolences to the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com

Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Mamou is in charge of arrangements.