Albert Eugene Brockway of Helena passed away peacefully Friday, December 16, 2011 after a lengthy illness.
Al was born in Helena on April 26, 1932 to John and Alice Brockway. He had one sister, Jean Morrison. Other than a short stint in the Navy, he lived his entire life in Helena. On June 6, 1953, he married Lorraine Martin. They were married for 54 years until her death in 2008.
Al graduated from Helena High School in 1950 and spent 2 years in the Navy before beginning his 33 year career in law enforcement working for the Helena Police department, starting as a patrolman, retiring in 1986 as the Assistant Chief of Police. After retiring from the Helena Police Department, he worked at the State of Montana’s Board of Crime Control.
Al was an outdoor enthusiast. He taught us how to enjoy snowmobiling, camping, hunting and fishing. You could always find us every weekend during the summer camping at the lake with our friends of more than 50 years, the Davenports. Many will remember the annual “moose milk” holiday parties that Mom and Dad hosted, or their involvement in numerous high school reunions.
Survivors include: three sons, Michael (Kay) of Missoula, David (Stephanie) of Portland Or., and Gary (Sharon) of Helena; eleven grandchildren, Nicole, Jason, Krysta, Lisa, Marcey, Kristopher, John, Kyle, Jonathan, Jared, and Jennifer; and ten great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Alice Brockway; sister, Jean Morrison; and wife, Lorraine.
A special thanks to everyone at Aspen Gardens for their care and support, and to Gladys Davenport for being a very close and special friend.
Interment will be at 2 p.m., Sat. Jan. 21 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life for Albert will follow at the American Legion Hall, 3095 Villard Ave., from 3-6 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Brenda K. Ludwig says
You are in our thoughts and prayers, Al will be greatly missed by all.
Brenda Ludwig(BCSO)
Gary Bright(HPD-Retired)
Charlie & Pam Brown says
Uncle Al’s Family `
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to all of you!
Uncle Al was a very special person and will be missed by all. We have fond memories out at the lake, camping and having fun!
May you heal with time and God’s Blessings.
May God Bless You All,
Charlie, Pam & John Brown
(Davenport)
Crystal Wong Shors says
I met Al Brockway when I was 6 years old and he was a young, handsome police officer. My dad owned Freddie’s OK Cafe on South Main and two officers would come to pick up a heavy metal tub that contained meals Dad prepared for the prisoners. Al was often one of those officers, and he was impressive indeed in his immaculate blue uniform with his perfectly groomed dark hair. Through the years, whenever I saw him, he was always kind, always someone we could trust and admire. I’ll remember him fondly and wish his family comfort in good memories.
Edie Graham says
Gary, Mike & Dave, I am so sorry to hear about Al. Know that all our prayers go out to you and your families! Edie, Dan and all your friends at Gough, Shanahan, Johnson & Waterman PLLP
Gary Bright says
Gary,Mike & Dave.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I Al was a great man , friend and co-worker. I learned a lot from him over the years.
Glenda @ Allen says
Thinking off all Als family and friends in this sad time
Wonderful man will be missed
God Bless
John Meagher says
My good thoughts to his Family
I worked for the City of Helena in the 1970’s repairing traffic controllers and street lights after returning from Viet Nam. Every morning I’d go to the Police Dept at the Civic Center to see if the officers over the night shift had issues with the traffic signals. Al, always in good humor, would give me a bad time concerning my long hair, full beard, bib overalls and the VW bus I drove. He even used me in a line up, saying after it was over, ‘looks like you dodge another one John’, and we’d both laugh. On one occasion, a VW bug was impounded and the vehicle placed in the basement of the Civic Center. As I entered down the ramp leading to the basement I saw Al and other officers gathered around the VW. It needed to be moved, but no keys were available I was told. I said ‘ok, you all turn around for minute’. I promptly hot wired the VW. Al inquired ‘how does one learn such a skill? After that every time there was a vehicle was stolen over the night in Helena and I’d walk into the jail area, he’d ask ‘where were you last night?
again we’d both laugh.
Al was all aces in book.
Karen Bryson says
Mike, Dave, & Gary,
Our thoughts & prayers to you at this time. Your dad was “one of a kind” and we have so many wonderful memories of HPD days, police balls in Canada & Washington State and of course, moose milk! It’s been difficult to see him struggle so these last few years and now he’s at peace.
Karola Brockway says
Al was a bigger than life figure to his family. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends as he will be terribly missed but very fondly and always remembered. He is now with Lorraine and other family members possibly planning a “moose milk” party. RIP G-Pa, you will always be remembered.
Kay Brockway says
What fond memories of Al! Mike and I shared many fun lunches with you at Chili’s. I enjoyed teasing you about attending “social events” at Aspen and boy did you laugh!!! Always remember how much your family loves you! It is my pleasure to be a part of your family.
Kristen Morrison Summers says
I did not know you well,but I am told you are my great uncle. I hope you are having great fun with my grandma(your sister). My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Marcey Campbell says
What an amazing grandfather you were to us! You were such an inspiration to all of us. My fond memories of pig bowls, camping at the gates, Christmas’s, and of course our favorite Easter Eggs! Rest in peace G-Pa!
Mark Mizner-Welch says
As a probation and parole officer for many years in Helena during the late 1970’s and early 1980’s I worked extensively with Al, and found him to be an exceedingly honest and straight-forward officer. He had the highest integrity and brought a “no-nonsense” approach to managing the police department. I had the utmost respect for him, and considered him a true gentlemen.
Nancy & Jim Andersen says
Al was an outstanding public servant yet always ready with a joke and his hearty laugh. We have so many great memories of sharing fun times- Moose Milk, softball . . . he will be missed
Rick Davenport says
Some random thoughts and memories:
-Camping with the Brockways at Gates of the Mountain.
-Hunting with Uncle Floyd, Mike, Dave and Gary
-Trying to hide from your mother when your best friend’s father is the assistant chief of police. (You have to leave the county)
-Christmas parties
-Fishing with Al on the Missouri with Uncle Floyd, Mike, Dave and Gary
-Breakfast at the Mother Lode with Al, Aunt Gladys and my cousins
– Riding over Boulder hill in an ancient white jeep station wage.
– Snowmobiling up the Rimini with the Schulkes and the Davenports.
I could go on and on but lets just pause for a moment to say goodbye to Al. It does not need to be said that the Davenports share with the Brockways in their loss but I will say it anyway.
Roy & Vickie Miller says
Mike, Dave and Gary, we’re sorry to hear of your dad’s death. I know it’s been a struggle for all the past several years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Shelley Stewart says
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. What an amazing guy he was! Thinking of you.
Shelley
Stephanie Brockway says
Thanks Again Al for raising a wonderful son, husband and father. Your devotion to your parents and kindness to us are remembered fondly.
ox rest in peace
love
Stephanie
Wendy Sturn says
Al was a wonderful friend and co-worker. He will be so missed by so many people. I worked with Al for 15+ years at MBCC and he was always loved and respected by everyone.
Xandy says
I could watch Sc’hndleris List and still be happy after reading this.