2008-11-21

Peggy McElroy Touchet

Daniel's Dad...our dear "Uncle Podna"....George Marc Breaux, Sr. died Nov. 11, 2008. He was 84. He is survived by his wife Dot Thibodeaux Breaux, his son Marc Breaux and wife Carla, his daughter Jere' Breaux Hart and husband Larry, 2 grandchildren, Jere' Hart Voisin and husband Lynn and Jered Dale Hart. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel Breaux...(Danny Boy)

2008-03-25

Dan Schweiker

Dan was my room mate in Des Moines before he returned to New Orleans. We were friends for many years. Dan dated my sister in Des Moines. When i graduated from Law school in 1976 Dan and I left the next day in my beat up Honda for a road trip out west. We ended up in Sante Fe visiting old friends. He was quite a guy.

2008-02-14

Don Dixon

Daniel lived on Washington Avenue across the street from me and next door to my cousin Amy and her husband Luke. I just remember seeing all of the beautiful paintings through the window. That and the red clogs!!!! Daniel will be missed for sure. Don

2007-11-05

Daniel Breaux

My name is Daniel Breaux. I’m an artist and musician living in the bay area of California. One day I was searching the internet for my own name, just to see if I was mentioned. At the time I was in my mid twenties and was coming out of the young and impetuous stage of my life, and in need of some direction. I didn't find anything about myself, as I hadn't done anthing noteworthy. What I did discovered however, was this charming gentleman with a full white beard living in New Orleans named Daniel Breaux. I marveled over Daniels paintings and sculpture, and his fine attention to detail. But, what was equally impressive to me was how much a part of his community my elder namesake was, how much he enjoyed life, and more importantly how much others around him enjoyed his sprit. His story touched me deeply. I was honored to have a glimpse into the life of this wonderfully creative person. He became a true inspiration to me even though we never met.

2007-09-14

Donovan Garcia

I met Daniel and his friend on the Bayou Lafourche Paddle back in 2003. He was paddling a pirogue which he built and I believe he was using a paddle which he also made. Not only did I get to paddle with him but his bad luck of car trouble was my good luck. It gave me the opportunity to spend more time with them. We loaded our boats on my truck and drove back to Houma. I am bad with names and I did not remember their names when I left there but I have the pictures of them and his home still in my mind. Daniel gave me a tour of the home that he rebuilt and his art work which was a gift I will always remember. About a year later at another paddle another paddler told me about what had happened to Daniel. I still did not know him by Daniel but I knew him from the pictures and memories that he left in my mind. While at work a few days after I was talking to a co worker about Daniel and what had happened to him. It turns out that I have been working with this guy for 19 years and Daniel is part of his family. Today I found out about the website and more memories of Daniel. Daniel Breaux lives in the minds of all the people that he has ever met.

2005-02-12

Claudia, Lennie, Diane

Mardi Gras - The 3 of us traveled the French Quarter We all wore something that Daniel had created. Angels wings

2005-02-11

Mona

I never knew his name. I never had the pleasure of meeting him.
We called them the dancing couple...part of the pure joy, essence and anticipation (even after 17 years) of jazz fest.
Like seeing beatle bob, those watermelon people or realizing that you're standing right behind somebody great like Boz Scaggs.
My fest group would proudly wear a t-shirt honoring daniel. Is there one? Could there be one? I'd buy 6.
Regards from Texas, Mona

2005-01-11

Peggy McElroy Touchet

There was a wall in my mother's home where Mom would "measure" the height of all the children as they grew..it was a real treasure to see after many years. I guess my Mom (Danny's "Nan") asked Dan to stand tall so she could measure his height. He had grown to be much taller than she..and that amused her. As she stood on tippy toe to mark his height....she asked him to put his name on the line she had drawn.
Daniel wrote: "Measure not my growth with a ruler."
It was typical of Dan...and enjoyed for years by all who entered our home. I'm missing Daniel..maybe more at this time because of the approaching season of Mardi Gras, which brought out Daniel's creative juices and love of laughter and fun.
In the words of James Taylor: "I've seen fire, and I've seen rain..I've seen sunny days that I thought would never end. I've seen lonely times when I could not find a friend...but I always thought that I'd see you again..."

2004-11-18

Claudia, Catherine, Lennie

All Saints Day Experience:

Claudia, Catherine and Lennie visited "the place where Daniel last stood upon this earth" on All Saints Day. They gathered there to be together in that place, and think about Daniel's last moments. They had so many unanswered questions, and they wished Daniel would walk up and answer those questions. A few minutes after they said this, Lennie's cell phone rang and another friend, whose name is ALSO Daniel , called and said "Lennie ? . . . Daniel !" After Lennie composed herself and realized it was NOT Daniel Breaux, they recovered from the shock, and were able to resume the quiet time together at this shrine to Daniel. The candles were burning, the pictures and trinkets were there for all to see the love that Daniel brought out in people.

A few minutes later a women came down the street, and the real story of the events of that night, of the last few minutes of Daniel's life, came out. She had been the one who held the umbrella over Daniel to protect him from the rain. She explained to them that she sang a Gregorian chant to Daniel trying to comfort him all she could , although to her eyes he was unconsious. This lovely lady then sang the Gregorian chant to Claudia, Catherine and Lennie, to show them what she had done for Daniel. She then translated the song, and the words were truly about Daniel, although this women had never met Daniel !

NOTE: She told the ladies that she had moved to this neighborhood years ago to be as close to Jazz Fest as possible, even though she works in Thibodeaux. This wonderful lady is also the one that makes sure the candles are lit every evening.

Then a man comes walking down the street with a miniature grotto to Our Lady, Mary the mother of God. he said that the grotto was his wife's, but she had passed away some months ago, and now he wanted this grotto to be for Daniel. So it was placed at this special place.

2004-09-01

NOAFA

Daniel was both a student and a teacher at NOAFA - The New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. During the entire month of September of 2004, a faculty art exhibit is featuring Daniel's art.       This letter was at the entrance.

Dear Daniel

2004-07-30

Susan Prevost

I'd lived outside of Louisiana when I'd meet up with Daniel at Tipitina's or whatever festival was happening during my visits back home to New Orleans. We never asked each other's names, but I could always count on his presence to be a touchstone during those 16 years of visiting New Orleans. I'd always secretly hope to dance with the best dancer in the place and usually, I would. I associated him with the bon vivant of New Orleans. He became a kind of soulful monument to my city. The last time I danced with him was at Rock n'Bowl a couple of years ago. Strangely, enough, Daniel always seemed to be alone. Two years later I returned to New Orleans and moved one block away from where he was shot. Of all the thousands of people at the jazz fest (and given that I hardly knew anyone in town), I happened to know the guy who was killed-my icon, my flagship to the very best that was New Orleans. Now, I pass the telephone pole memorial each day on walks and never fail to stop and pay tribute to the lone nameless dancer wearing red clogs.

2004-07-19

Chris Fore

How can anyone forget Daniel's red clog and white beard, but for me every time I see an iris I think of Dan. It has become tradition for our family to travel to Thibodaux before Easter Sunday to a crawfish boil at Carolyn & Thomas' home. It's not just the Lanclos family, but also the Breaux's and Sonait's. At that time of the year we become ONE family. Several Easter's ago we were talking about the yellow irises Carolyn has planted by her front walk. She said I could dig some up. I said how I really like the purple ones. Then Dan got up found a bucket and shovel and said come on. We walk to the wooded area behind Carolyn and Thomas' house and Dan dug up wild irises for me. I wish we could have had many many more Easter's together.

2004-07-14

Kelly McElroy

NOTE:This is a letter to the editor written to The Houma Courier in May by Tracey Rizzuto of University Park, Penn. entered here by Kelly McElroy.
HEADLINE: Daniel Breaux captured the spirit of south La.
"This past September, my partner and I vacationed in Acadiana during the Festival Acadiens. We were fortunate to cross paths and share a dance with Daniel Breaux. To us, he captured the spirit of Louisiana -- friendy, and welcoming to all, gracious in spirit, and truly enjoying the simple beauty of life. It is this spirit, in part, that made us decide to move to Louisiana from our home in Pennsylvania (we will be relocating in August). My sadness was tremendous, upon opening a local Louisiana paper in search of potential housing, to find this lovely spirit had been taken from us in such a tragic, senseless way. It is obvious that Daniel Breaux's life touched many in southern Louisiana, but we are testaments that his grace stretched far and wide -- even to the reaches of central Pennsylvania."

2004-07-13

Larry Hart

I met Dan in 1977 while working offshore on a derrick barge. I was in my room playing a David Bromberg tape when "the new guy", Dan Breaux, rushed in wanting to know who was playing that music. We laughed as we discussed the fact we were probably the only two people on the barge that enjoyed the same music, as my roommates quickly agreed. We struck up a friendship that grew as we spent our off hours on the helideck under the stars discussing who we were, where we had been, and where we wanted to go. After several months, Dan approached me with the fact he had a sister he would like me to meet, and thought we would get along. I looked at him carefully and explained two things wrong with this scenario. One, if he had to come offshore to find a date for his sister, I wanted no part of it. Two, after envisioning him with blond hair, and if his sister looked like him, I really wanted no part of it. But you know Dan, he was gently persistant, and months later I finally agreed, but with the express agreement he would accompany us on this blind date. Dan chuckled heartily when hearing this, as he had the same instructions from his sister and family. He would accompany the two of us on the date. His father had warned him not to bring any of "that offshore trash" home with him. I met Dan and his sister Jere' in Houma for an evening of pizza and dancing (imagine that). Later in the evening I informed Dan his chaperoning duties had sufficed and would no longer be necessary. Even after his sister agreed he could leave at any time, he laughed out loud and stuck by our side enjoying the evening. Tomorrow, July 14, on Bastille Day, we celebrate our 25 th wedding anniversary. Thank you Dan. Larry Hart Brother-in-law

2004-07-13

Larry and Jere' Hart

Our heartfelt thanks to the Red Clog Production team, and Tipitina's for a wonderul gathering this last Sunday. The event could not have felt better for the family and friends gathering to honor Daniel's life. There are so many people to thank from the bands to the people that cooked and provided food, the list is long and loving. A special thanks to Jeanne Dumestre for the slide show of the multitalented Daniel Breaux. Another thanks to Claudia for letting the music continue. May Daniel's spirit thrive in all of us.
Thank you to all,
Larry and Jere' Hart

2004-07-13

Peggy McElroy Touchet

It's Peggy Lee...again! I shared a personal story I had with Daniel before..but now, since I've attended the "Celebration of Daniel", I must add my own hugs and kisses to the Red Clog Production, Tipitina's, Claudia,and the individuals who brought it to life! I didn't think my broken heart could sing and dance again... at least not to the level I was brought to! I felt as though I was "Dancing in the Sky" with the amazing group of loved ones and musical talent I was in company with. I love the history of our culture...but I really enjoy hearing it from a great "story-teller". My Mom was a great story-teller....so is my Mama Dot...and so was Dan. At Christmas, I was lost in a story Dan was sharing with me about the origins of some of the families that settled in our little city of Houma..including the "original family" of the house he had just bought. We ran out of time..heading out to share holiday spirit with Larry and Jere'...and their kids...Jere' and her husband Lynn..and Jered. Right before we were leaving my home...Daniel stopped and wrote down his phone number...and said: "Come over". I didn't know I only had 5 more months....

2004-07-12

Don Keller

The world has lost a very hard working, hard dancing person. Daniel lived simply, and Daniel lived well. In today's world of "More is better", Daniel showed that just the opposite is true, that "Less is Better". He lived without air conditioning, and the World and it's beautiful people and places were his playground. He was straightforward and direct with everyone, since Daniel had no hidden agenda, "What you see is what you get". He was one of the least "commercial" people I ever met, in the sense that he could/would never take advantage of a person, or a situation to advance Daniel. The bumper sticker "Live Simply, so others may simply live" comes to mind when I thing of Daniel. And he was one of the most fun, serious people I know. Meaning that he was not frivolous, but he knew how to have a good time, and how to show others a good time. Truly, words fail to describe Daniel, because . . . "Ya jes had to know him". Perhaps this says it best.. A young woman at the celebration was crying, and I went up to her and hugged her. She said "Daniel taught me everything I know"

2004-07-12

Marc Breaux

July 11, early a.m. Traveling east with friends Al and Jackie Clement, trying to figure what kind of day I'm going to have. Perhaps happy, sad, or maybe both.
Fast forward ---> Jambalaya and white beans are cooked. Time to party and that we did. Indeed, I was correct, it was both happy and sad. I'll sure tell you one thing, it was phenomenal.
Dan, you sure know how to throw a party ! Thanks, L.B.

2004-07-09

Marc Breaux

This is not a story about Daniel/Dan as I knew him. I have too many to write about. I hope to share these with ya'll on Sunday. This is a THANK YOU to all who have taken the time and effort to put this together, from the Red Clog committee to da web guy and anyone else I have failed to mention. I thank you all again L.B./ LIL BROTHER

2004-07-09

Lisa Kavanaugh-Fair Oaks, CA

I didn't know Daniel, but I am a Jazzfest regular and did see him there - reveling in it all, which is one of the joys for me about going to Jazzfest . . . seeing fellow lovers of life, dance and red shoes - something I am proud to share with Daniel (although I'm known for my red cowboy boots in particular); I will think of him when I wear any of my red shoes from now on. It has been my pleasure and sadness to read about Daniel - the loving, giving, creative soul he was in this life. I wish I could have met him and danced with him (another one of my particular joys), I've been looking for a guru to teach me Cajun dance - he would have been a wonderful mentor. I wasn't fortunate enough to meet Daniel, but through the stories and photos on this site (thanks, da web guy) - I feel like I do have a sense of him, what he meant to those who were lucky to be in his life, and the loss caused by his passing. I will try to carry his spirit on in my life - thank you for sharing him with me.

2004-07-07

Mike McElroy

From the 50's This is Danny's first "house" that he restored. For those who know about Louisiana, it was kind of hard for me to pull the tree trunks and limbs for Danny to make it just right. Years later Danny and I made a cabin behind my Parent's house. "Cool", as long as we stayed on our knees and not stand up. Then, We did a tree house at his parent's home in the country. Built the floor on the ground and tried to pull it up to the limbs. OOOPS, too heavy, Danny told me that it was gonna to be too heavy, I disagreed. After taking the platform apart and doing it piece by piece, I understood that Danny was correct. I hope this pic makes to your website, Danny Boy. Love you, : )

2004-07-07

Tim

I have many stories to share. At the very moment I was finishing my eulogy at Dan's funeral, I found myself not wanting to sit down; not wanting to leave untold so many tales of this guy, this one very special guy. But I am reminded that most of those who loved Dan did not have nearly the time to love him as I did. I am Dan's cousin. Dan's mom, known in our family as Mama Dot, and my mom, who was Dan's Godmother(or "Nan" as he and his sister, Jere,and brother, Marc, called her) were sisters. Not just sisters, mind you, they were sisters who grew up not knowing their father and able to see their mother (Libby Thibodeaux)only when she would return on weekends from her job in the City (Houma) to visit her mother and father (Luke and Margaruite Guidry) and her 3 children in the country (Shriever). Yes, Shriever, that one-rail town on the outskirts of Houma which inspired so many people of the next several generations to flee. The same little community that those who fled now wonder if it wouldn't be just the most perfect place to rear their own children? Going home. That's what next step Dan took a couple of years ago. Dan was very attached to his Nan, my Mom.When the whole world rejects you and you believe even your parents can't be counted on to get you out of your funk, our culture allows (some swear it requires) that you seek counsel from your Nan or your Parain, your Godparents. Mom died only a month after we welcomed the new millennium. Almost immediately, Dan,then circa 55 years old, made plans to return to Houma to care for, but mostly be with, his Mom and Pop. Aside from chiseling a sacred piece of Terrebonne Parish history out of a failing house on School Street, Dan immersed himself in re-awaking everything of his childhood and incorporating all of the phenominal skills he developed in Oregon, Iowa, Haiti, Paris, and especially, New Orleans. Dan was so amused by New Orleans. This town enchanted him. He listened and worked hard and made painting at Jackson Square not only his vocation but his way of life. It was here he realized his potential as a portrait artist and was able to parlay his fantasies about costuming into a pasttime, the likes of which you can witness in dozens of images and photograghs held precious by the friends in the images who shared the moment. Friends who didn't, who couldn't and who often can not now imagine it would be our last with Dan. Growing up on the bayou is "being from the bayou" and Dan recaptured all of our youth and most of his earned wisdom in his return to Houma. There, he could watch over his folks, take his pirogue out in the afternoons and sketch some whimsical barefooted straw-haired kids at play. It was Daniel's Song. It was the way he stepped into your life to figure out if you were interesting enough for him to stay there for awhile. And, if you were interesting enough and if you showed the least bit of interest in Dan's take on it, you really had a friend then. To Dan, friendships counted for something. And dance. That boy could dance! He made room for himself on the dance floor with his sweeping movements and his command of the rhythm of the music which roared inside of him. And for the woman swinging out there with him, well, she could be made to forget everything she was or had been just the minute before she stepped on the dance floor with Daniel. Dance was the thing he truly loved. And he truly loved how something he so loved came to love him back. Here again, if you grew up in the late 1940's, 1950's and 1960's along any of the tributaries which sprout out from the Mississippi River, there's a chance you remember the dance halls dotting the bayou, each with a tire swing hanging from a huge oak tree which shadowed the bayou's banks. And inside these dance halls, the grown-ups drank their cold, cold Jax or Schlitz or Falstaff or Dixie and danced with grace and poise and with the conviction that being with friends and dancing on the saw-dust covered cypress floors was as good as it gets. It was a "hard day's night" or in the culture in which it took place,it was "joie de vive". If I were a betting man, I'd take a chance that Chester's in Chackbay (ed. Chacahoula ?) is the symbol I'm drawing on today. To my knowledge Dan never made it back to those honky-tonks to tickle those folks with the power of his dance style. Too bad. Something else I'm gonna miss. This is all to say: if you have a tale, one you treasure, one you know Dan would love to hear again, do come out to the Breaux Deaux Deaux before the fais do-do at Tipitina's this Sunday. And invite someone who you think might want to share the moment with you. The music will tell some of the story and there will be an open mike for those who can tell their story out loud. I'd rather New Orleans be remembered as the place Dan chose to live rather than the place which took his life away. This will be a time and place we'll be talking about for quite a while. Here's to Daniel. Peace, Brother.

2004-07-07

Terrebonne High '64 Classmate

Danny Breaux was a 1964 graduate of Terrebonne High School in Houma. This Saturday, July 10 2004, our class will have its 40-year class reunion. We heard he did plan to attend the reunion. We will dance a dance in his honor.

2004-06-30

Peggy McElroy Touchet

Hi! My name is Peggy Lee....I'm Daniel's cousin. It was May 1984 and we were attending the wedding of Daniel's brother Marc and his wife Carla. Our families were all gathered at the reception and the usual awkward beginnings of a "party" were apparent. Music playing...no one dancing, etc. Well...MUSIC runs like a river in our family...and so I'm kinda beebopping by myself to the rhythm and Daniel suddenly swings me out to the center of the floor and we begin a "cajun" dance (so he tells me) where we bend our knees almost to the ground and stand back up and swirl! He took me from one end of the reception hall to the other! At first I was embarassed, then I was exhilerated and then I had a fantastic time with a wonderful memory to last me through my lifetime! Thanks, Danny Boy....I sure do miss you over here.

2004-06-28

Kristy

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry I just finished making a salad, one that Daniel inspired. He was a wonderful cook!! It was such a privilege to be invited for lunch at his beautiful home in Houma or for a picnic along the banks of the bayou in Pointe-Aux-Chenes. Spinage, soft boiled eggs, mushrooms, salmon, dark chocolate will always remind me of him and his creative and delicious ways in the kitchen. I arrived empty and left full- my belly with the fabulous meal and my soul with our intricate conversations.