Interviewer(s): D. Austin. Cut Off, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

I was referred to Linwood "Boz" Cheramie by his coworker, George St. Pierre. George had recommended that I talk with Boz because he was known as the practical joker on the rigs, so I was looking forward to hearing his stories. I talked with Boz's wife on the phone, and she was hesitant at first because Boz had fallen on his head and also suffered a mild stroke, and he has trouble with his memory. He is also suffering from prostate cancer. When I told his wife what I had heard from George, she laughed and warmed up to the idea of the visit. When I arrived, both Boz and his wife were waiting outside and eager to visit. We talked for a while about their yard and then went into the formal dining room. Boz and I sat at the table while his wife sat at a chair off to one side. I asked her to join us at the table, but she said that she preferred to sit in that chair. We had a delightful interview. Boz was able to answer questions and remember stories, and his wife joined in with comments throughout. She also brought in photos of his last day at work and other mementos.

Boz was born in 1920 and raised in Golden Meadow. He moved to Cut Off in 1954 when he was married. His first job was with Rebstock and Reeves. He then worked as a roustabout for Brown and Root in Golden Meadow for 5-6 years. He went to work for Latek Gulf, a small company in Leeville, and then worked for Chevron until he retired in 1982 at age 62.