Dr. Gerald M. Brassard, who served faithfully as president, executive vice president, and director of governmental affairs for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), passed away on June 14 in Beaumont, Texas at the age of 79.
Dr. Brassard graduated in 1949 from the Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa, and settled in Beaumont, Texas upon completion of his studies and postgraduate schooling. He established the Brassard Chiropractic Clinic, which is now operated by his son, Dr. Richard G. Brassard, ACA's Council of Delegates vice president and delegate for Texas.
Dr. Brassard enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the ACA, serving in 1964 on the "Committee of 100" that established the association. Prior to his work at ACA's national headquarters, Dr. Brassard was one of the three original incorporators of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and president of the Texas Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the Texas State Chiropractic Association.
A true champion of the chiropractic profession, Dr. Brassard was named "Doctor of the Year" in Texas in 1959, and was chosen as "Outstanding Chiropractor of the Year" at the joint convention of the ACA and the International Chiropractors Association in 1987.
He was named a fellow of the International College of Chiropractors in 1965 and a fellow of the American College of Chiropractors in 1980. He graciously supported the profession at the local, district, state, and national levels.
He retired from private practice in 1980, and came to Washington, D.C. for his term as ACA executive vice president. He retired from that position in July 1987, and returned home to his family in Beaumont, TX.
"Dr. Brassard was a pioneer of the ACA, a servant of the profession and a sincere gentleman. Our thoughts are with his entire family," said Dr. James Mertz, president of the ACA.
Dr. Brassard is survived by May, his loving wife of 59 years; two sons, Richard and Raymond; brother Roger; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Street, Beaumont, TX 77706; Texas Chiropractic College, 5912 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, TX 77505; and the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, P.O. Box 4689, Des Moines, IA 50306-4689.
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