Alton BREAULT

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BREAULT: Alton James Breault (VE4BD) of Deloraine, Manitoba, passed away, peacefully, at the age of 97. Alton was born December 6, 1917, in Deloraine, to Harriet and Marcus Breault. He was raised by his parents with the help, owing to his mother's ill health, of his Aunt Anne and Grandfather Jacob Brownsberger. Alton attended school in Deloraine, and throughout his life he enjoyed telling stories of his youthful experiences and accomplishments. Alton took great pride in his service to his country. He served in the RCAF (seconded to the RAF) during the Second World War, as a radar technician. Anyone who met him will have heard his keen and accurate recollections of those experiences both in Canada and overseas. On his return, he worked at the Deloraine Post Office. This is where he met his wife, Evelyn. They married on January 14, 1948. They lived in the house that Alton's father built and where Alton was raised until the 1990s. They then move to 208 Morton Ave., where he lived out his days. They had two children: Mark and Jo-Ann. Shortly after the war, Alton began repairing radios in his home. This avocation evolved into a radio sales and service business, and later into Breault's Radio and TV Sales and Service. He had lots of entertaining stories about those days as well, some of which he shared in one of the books he wrote. He retired from the radio and TV business in 1990s. He took up woodworking, following in his father’s footsteps. He continued making specialty items for people into his eighties. His work can be found in many homes and businesses in Deloraine and area. Alton was the projectionist at the Jubilee Theatre for many years and again when the Deloraine Community Theatre opened. He enjoyed this activity and marvelled at the changes in the movie industry over the years. Again,lots of stories to tell. Alton was always active in the community, belonging to several service groups and on numerous boards. Alton began his hobby in amateur radio as a young man. It was his experience as a ham radio operator and knowledge of Morse code that was the basis for his entrance into radar operations. He remained active in his radio activity until his passing. QsoNet (virtual ham radio) gave him many hours of conversation and allowed him to continue to meet new people throughout his later years. Alton had a large network of friends and regular radio contacts that will miss his daily sign-ins. He has now become a silent key. Over the years Alton and Evelyn built three uniquely designed cabins at Lake Metigoshe. When the children were young, summers were spent at the lake and those experiences were frequently shared with other children and families. At the age of 84, Alton wrote his first book, “Live and Learn,” about his WWII experiences. This was followed by a second book, “Sparks and Signals,” and later a memoir of his early childhood. Alton was well known in the community for his lively step and sharp ability to recollect details. He took great pride in his participation in the Terry Fox Walk each year. The last two years his daughter accompanied him along with his friends Alice and Frank, whose pictures he carried on his cane. He lived his life well. He and Evelyn ensured that their children had lots of good and memorable experiences. They travelled through the U.S.A., into Ontario, to the West Coast, and California and spent many Thanksgivings with Gilbert Rae and his family in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan. Most special occasions were spent with Evelyn's extended family. Alton loved music and he had numerous stories of his experiences playing in John Pont's band. Alton spent his last years in his own home with his feline friend Alley. In 2011 Alton travelled to Newfoundland with his grandson Danny to meet his ham radio friend Harry White. They had spoken every day for a few years but had never met. He had a wonderful time. Alton enjoyed life and sharing his experiences with others. Due to severe hearing loss, his last couple of years were difficult as he could not hear what others had to say and he missed that interaction. He still enjoyed his coffee times with Roy and Howard and was thankful for their friendship. Alton was predeceased by his wife Evelyn in 2008. He will be greatly missed by his family Mark, Jo-Ann, Albert and his grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and many friends. Smith Funeral Home 204-747-2088www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 07, 2015