RIP Cajun Fiddler Al Berard...

Jim Newberry · Post by **Jim Newberry** » 26 Feb 2014 2:52 pm

The most generous and encouraging musician I've had the honor to know passed away suddenly today. Al was a multi-instrumentalist, but was best known as a bearer of the Cajun fiddle tradition. An extraordinary man who will be sorely missed by our community.

http://www.offbeat.com/2014/02/26/fiddl ... -aneurysm/

Terry Huval · Post by **Terry Huval** » 5 Mar 2014 8:16 pm

Al was my 3rd cousin and we grew up just a few miles from each other. Through the years we had lots of opportunities to perform together, including his lovely and talented family. We all even worked together with Don Helms at a number of south Louisiana performances. As it turns out, Al died just a few days before Don's birthday.

Al's funeral had standing room only with many friends having to stand outside of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in his hometown of Cecilia where Al participated with the church choir of the past 40'years. The outpouring from our area has been huge.

Al was a such a good man. We will all miss him dearly.

Jim Newberry · Post by **Jim Newberry** » 11 Mar 2014 2:11 pm

Thanks for that Terry. Al had many friends up here who are deeply saddened by the loss.

Marty Broussard · Post by **Marty Broussard** » 12 Mar 2014 8:22 am

Al's son-in-law, Kyle Hebert, and I spent last weekend together on a road gig. To learn what took Al from us was stunning. I wasn't aware that someone could be taken by acute leukemia. Didn't know it existed. Additionally, Al was around my age. Makes you stop and recall your blessings.

Al will surely be missed.

Michael Breid · Post by **Michael Breid** » 17 Mar 2014 9:54 am

How interesting that in the picture he looks a tad like a young Johnny Gimble. RIP Mr. Al.