Peter McCleod Braswell, 70, died June 1 in Ajijic, his home since his retirement in 2005.
An Alabama native, Braswell graduated from Parson’s School of Design in New York. He was a resident of New Orleans for over 20 years.
The owner and operator of Braswell Interiors in Harahan, Louisiana, Braswell was a member of the American Society of Interior Design and a much sought after interior designer in the New Orleans area.
Braswell was active in numerous New Orleans charitable organizations and was instrumental in the founding of the Buddy Program for NO/AIDS Task Force during the late 1980s AIDS epidemic. The program paired AIDS/HIV patients with volunteers to mentor and assist their assigned buddies. He developed and taught “Buddy Program Training” to new volunteers of the task force for many years. He received the Humanitas Award from the Task Force for his unselfish and dedicated work.
While on the board of directors of Belle Reve (Shelter Resources, Inc.), a residence for people living with AIDS/HIV, Braswell organized some the organization’s most successful fundraising events. He was also a founding board member of “Friday Night Before Mardi Gras,” a volunteer, non-profit organization that raises money for AIDS and HIV related service providers.
Braswell was a member of Rayne Memorial United Methodist Church and very involved in the reconstruction of the building after the steeple collapse and roof destruction following Hurricane Katrina.
During his Lake Chapala years, he was an active member at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Riberas del Pilar.
Braswell will always be remembered for his many accomplishments in the New Orleans non-profit arena, his willingness to help friends and acquaintances and his quick wit and sharp tongue.
Braswell is survived by his partner, Gerardo Medina, of Ajijic; cousin Linda Lee Counts of Mobile, Alabama; and a multitude of loving friends both in New Orleans and at Lakeside.
A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church on Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m.
Because he loved the color white, those attending the service are asked to wear white in his honor.