Al Braud was born January 27, 1928 in Long Beach , Calif. to Ernest and Marie Braud, and passed away at the age of 87 on April 28, 2015 in Fortuna.

Al had two sisters, Ernestine and Katherine. In 1946, Al graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach. After high school he enlisted in the Navy, and served his country for two years. During that time, he was based out of San Francisco. In 1948, Al started college at Humboldt State College (HSU) and worked in the woods to cover his school and living expenses.

Al, who always had a love for music, joined the HSU marching band when it formed in 1949. Al graduated in 1953 and began teaching at Eureka High School (EHS) in 1954, where he worked, played and enjoyed his students until retiring in 1988. Al was a beloved teacher for so many students over the years, and was fondly referred to as “Big Al, the Kiddies’ Pal.” When he wasn’t teaching, on a field trip, or being a class advisor, Al was the announcer at all the home games. He would relay the great football plays, yell at the refs, and announce the homecoming Queen. It was during these times, that Al earned his other nickname, “The Silver Voice of the Golden West”.

In addition to teaching at EHS, Al was also a Biology teacher at College of the Redwoods (CR) from 1982-88.

Al married Nancy Hill in 1954, and they had three children, who were the loves of his life. Al loved to boat, fish, waterski, snow ski and go backpacking. He really loved playing Santa. He married Vera Poole in 1989, and they just celebrated 25 years together last May. They enjoyed bird watching, traveling in their motorhome to many Jazz Festivals up and down the coast, and being with family.

You could often catch Al playing the air trombone and the kazoo, as his love for music was with him daily!

Al marched in four Rose Parades in Pasadena from 1946-49.

Al was the best father a kid could ever ask for to Daniel Braud (Rosie), Deanna Vallee (Chris), Debby Paccella (Rich). and an awesome, supporting, and proud grandpa to Justin Braud (Jenifer), Travis Braud (Bethany), Jenica Gosselin (TJ), Lucas Vallee (Alyssa), Heidi Kingdon (Matt), Lacey Ruiz (Alex), Tony Paccella. Stepkids Tim Poole (Kathy), Tracy Whitlow (Rex). Al was a loving great-grandpa to Talya, Kelton, Aaden, Ryker, Isabelle, Brynn, and Kinley. Step-grandkids Trisha, Tami, Kaman (Marlene).

Al was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, his first wife Nancy, and great-granddaughter Nancy.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on Saturday, May 9, at the Adorni Center (1011 Waterfront Dr. Eureka) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Hospice of Humboldt (2100 Myrtle Ave., Eureka, 95501).

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The above obituary was submitted by Albert Braud’s daughter. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.