[Truax.org]  [Foxboro]  [Louis Alfred Truax]

The Attleboro Sun Chronicle
EDITORIAL: He gave 'tough love' to Foxboro

If anyone knew the streets of Foxboro as well as Louis Alfred Truax, who died last Thursday, we can't
imagine who it would be.

"Al," as Truax was better known, sometimes seemed to regard those streets as his personal property.  Small wonder.  Foxboro was where he had lived since shortly after his birth 80 years ago and its streets were his major domain during a long career with the town highway department, most of it as superintendent of highways, trees and parks.  It was reported that he had worked for the town for 35 years, but that doesn't seem to account for the occasions after his 1989 retirement when he returned as interim and acting highway superintendent.

Truax's influence on the town may have become even greater after his retirement.  He threw himself into voluntary service as a member of the advisory committee, planning board, state hospital reuse committee and other boards.

And he became one of the most active voices at town meeting, where he was a tireless advocate for economic development, services to the elderly and reduced town spending -- always reduced town spending. "Some people tell me," he once jibed, "I squeeze pennies so hard I give Lincoln ingrown hair."

His advocacy yielded results at times, such as when town government came in for a thorough study and various reforms as a result of a Truax town meeting motion.  At others, it was sometimes wisely ignored, as when he opposed trash recycling as too expensive.

A Navy veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Truax was often combative in his dealings with other town officials.  He pulled no punches when he saw fit to criticize.  In that, he will be deeply missed by the shy voters at town meeting.  They may be reluctant to ask the hard or embarrassing questions; Truax never was.

Indeed, we expect they'll be telling stories about Truax's battles for years to come.  He will lead some listings of the most unforgettable Foxboro residents.

The Attleboro Sun Chronicle
Obituaries published June 25

[Truax.org]  [Foxboro]  [Louis Alfred Truax]

Louis Truax, 80
FOXBORO - Louis Alfred "Al" Truax, 80, died on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at the Caritas Norwood Hospital surrounded by the comfort of his loving family.  He was the son of the late Edwin and Rose Marie (Labrie) Truax.

Al was born in Edmonton, a city in the Canadian province of Alberta, on Jan. 25, 1927, and moved to Foxboro shortly after birth.  He had been a lifelong resident of Foxboro and was a Foxboro High School graduate, class of 1944.  Al proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during both World War II and the Korean War.

Al married his wife, Marion "Betty" Jefferson Pierce, on May 8, 1965.  Al was a former superintendent of the Foxboro Highway, Tree and Parks Department. He worked for over 35 years for the town of Foxboro and retired in 1989.

Al was a former member of the St. Mark's Episcopal Church Vestry.  He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the Foxboro Country Club.  He was also an avid bridge player and organized the bridge club that meets at St. Mark's Church.  Al was a talented model builder and particularly enjoyed building model boats.

Al was a member of the Foxboro American Legion Post 93 and a past member of the Massachusetts Highway Association.  Al had a special love for the town of Foxboro and took an active interest in town affairs.

He was the beloved husband of Marion "Betty" Jefferson Pierce Truax; loving father of Robert Pierce and his wife Helen of Mansfield, Jan Schlottmann and her husband Charlie of Oregon, and Carole Shruhan and her husband Jim of Mansfield; devoted grandfather of nine; and the brother of Jeanne Bortolotti of Foxboro, Richard Truax of Florida, Lloyd Truax of Foxboro and Dr. Byron Truax of Florida.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Memorial Service on Thursday, June 28, at 11 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 212 Main St., Foxboro.  To light a special candle in Al's memory, please visit www.robertsandsonfuneral.com.  For additional information, please contact the Roberts and Sons Funeral Home in Foxboro at 508-543-5471.

Please omit flowers.  Donations in Al's memory may be made to the St. Mark's Episcopal Church Building Fund, 87 South St., Foxboro, MA 02035, or to Farther Flanagan's Girls and Boys Town, 300 Flanagan Blvd., P.O. Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010.