Tex Brochu, 1931 - 2008

Tex Brochu formally Larsback and Foster; also known musically as Texicanna Rose, passed away on Feb. 21, 2008 at the age of 77. Tex was born on April 21, 1931 to Herb and Henrietta Foster on a homestead ranch. Tex was delivered by Granny Witford – known as medicine women from Ft. Dunvegan to Ft. St. John to the First Nations and the northern community that is now known as Worsley. Grandpa Foster had no money to pay Granny Witford for her mid-wife services therefore his offering of payment was one pack horse, two moose hides, and my mom’s hide at times; she kindly agreed. In 1950 mom attended “Normal School” to receive a certificate in Education from U of A. Mom embraced her career. Her School Kids, all of them, were equally loved challenged to their individual abilities and embraced for there many varied talents. In her 36 years, she always said “I never taught a child that I didn’t like.” Her domestic adventures began with Bill Larsback; and they raised four children on a ranch in moccasin flats also know as Eureka River. As the fates would have it her adventures lead her to jumping out of a rodeo announcer’s booth onto a pick man’s horse this ended with her sharing the rest her life, a ranch and me with Francois Brochu. Music has always been part of my mom’s life from the family band in which her mother played second fiddle to her father, to school concerts, teaching music as well as the many rodeo camp fires sing songs. A decision to fulfill a life’s dream and with the help of my sister, Jewal, she released her first record “Texicanna Rose” a tribute to her family in 1984. To date with much support of family, many wonderful friends and fans she has shared and enjoyed the pleasure of releasing 7 recorded works of musical art. Mom also published two books Take Time and Poets of the Peace. These two books sold out; because they not only embraced local talent but also told of history that may have other wise been lost. Mom was not only known for her music but her open door philosophy and “have you had anything to eat… today?” Because of her love for a new adventure and challenges she published two cookbooks “Three Squares a Day” edition 1 and 2 with the help of Frank, Jewal and me. Her gypsy shoes took her all over this old planet and everywhere she when brought new friends. Thabeso was a name given to her by the Africans – means “brings happiness to all those around” and Noni from Hawaii means “love”. To her this is what life was about bringing happiness, taking time, not carrying grudges “cause they get to damn heavy to carry” and buying your flowers when people could enjoy them. Tex left a lot of “Happy Tracks” this was what she believed, and what she lived by until her death Feb 21, 2008. I, Cheri Brochu on behalf of my father, sister, bother and family would like to extend our thank-you to everyone who shared in Tex’s life. We would also like to express our appreciation for the calls, cards, flowers, donations, food and all the support the we have received by so many in this a difficult time. My Mom is survived by: life partner Frank Brochu, children – Joe Larsback, Jewal Rayne, and Cheri Brochu, grandchildren – Cameron and Missy Brewster, Steffany Haynes, Shawn Larsback, and Sheri Gardesky, great grand children – Willow and Max Brewster, Kane Kato, Alley-Pearl and Reilly Johnson, step sons Victor, Clem, Roger, Piere and Leo Brochu along with their families, and sister Genevieve Bean. She is pre-deceased by daughters Susan and Pearl Larsbck, son-in-law Bernie Heitrich, siblings – Bert, Tom and Lenora Foster, and parents Herb and Henrietta Foster Life celebration was held in Falher, Ab on Feb 26, 2008 – facilitated by my sister Rev. Jewal Rayne. Thank-you my sister for being there for all of us; mom is very proud.