William Robert Brockway, 88, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2013 in Baton Rouge, LA. Bill, as he was known to family and friends, was a native of Marshall, IL and a long-time resident of Baton Rouge, LA. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Patricia Norman Brockway, daughter, Nancy Ann Brockway, of Atlanta, son, William R. Brockway, Jr. and his wife, Ronelle Brockway of Metairie, granddaughters Isabella Brockway and Rebekah Brockway of Metairie, and brother, John O. Brockway of Shreveport. He is preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Brockway, of Belmont, CA. A decorated veteran of World War II, Brockway was awarded the Bronze Star for valor in the face of the enemy while serving in the European Theater of Operations as a combat engineer under General George Patton. His unit liberated the infamous Dachau concentration camp and Stalag 7a POW Camp. After the war Bill entered Tulane University, graduating with honors with a Master's degree in Architecture. He served as president of the Louisiana Architects Association, chairman of the Louisiana Architects Registration Board, a director of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, was inducted into the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows, and in 2003 was awarded the Louisiana Architects Association's highest honor, the Medal of Honor. He was one of the principal authors of the law establishing the Louisiana Architects Selection Board, the first such in the country, worked tirelessly for its passage and was appointed by Gov. Edwin Edwards as its first chairman. Bill was in private practice for a number of years before joining the faculty of the LSU School of Architecture where he established a course in Historical Preservation. His students have been recognized nationally and he has since enjoyed a reputation as a historic preservation consultant, and is a recognized authority on the history of Louisiana architecture. He was involved in the restoration of the Clinton Courthouse. Bill was a long time columnist for the Sunday Advocate, with over 600 articles, Nos Environs, explaining architecture in laymen's terms. He served the local community on many boards, among them the LSU Rural Life Museum, the Foundation of Historical Louisiana, and Magnolia Mound Plantation. He was listed in Who's Who in America beginning in 1980. Bill was a talented artist, engraver and wood carver. His carvings can be found in the Senate Chamber of the Louisiana State Capitol and St. James Episcopal Church. He was an avid restorer and recreator of antique firearms. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Friday, April 12th, at St. James Episcopal Church, Baton Rouge, the Very Rev. J. Mark Holland officiating. The family will receive visitors in the parish hall at 10 am. Interment will take place at 2pm, Monday April 15th at the Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the LSU Foundation, William R. Brockway FAIA Scholarship Fund c/o Julie LeFebvre, College of Art and Design, 102 Design Building, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
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Bill taught me a whole lot about building muzzle loading shotguns. I will always remember our hunting trips together with these flint shotguns!
Ken LeBlanc
April 15, 2013
Deepest sympathy to Pat and family. Bill was a fine architect and a wonderful man. He will be missed.
Roger Magendie
April 12, 2013
Bill was so talented, intelligent, and kind. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. My prayers are with his family.
Jan Latimer Fugler
April 11, 2013
Mr. Brockway is among the "greats" of Louisiana historic preservation and architecture.
Carolyn Bennett
April 11, 2013
I'll never forget meeting Bill just after the LSU French House Renovation in the early 80's. He was a true legend of Louisiana Architecture.
Jerry Landry
April 11, 2013
I want to convey my condolences to the family. May God be with you at this time.
April 10, 2013
A great mentor and friend.
He will be missed by many.
Bill Obier
April 10, 2013
Nancy, my prayers are with you and your family.
Paulette Gates
April 10, 2013
Nancy - you and your family are in my prayers
Lance Armstrong
April 10, 2013
He was one of the kindest people I've ever had the pleasure to have known. I count myself lucky to have known him.
Wayne McKay
April 9, 2013
Nancy and family - Praying for your Peace until you are all forever reunited.
Melanie Robinson Kadair
April 9, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kingston Eversull
April 9, 2013
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