When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Alexander James Truchot who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Alex was born on August 18, 1938 at the Choteau Hospital in Choteau, Montana. His parents were Alexander P. and Isabelle (Lemmon) Truchot. Alex was raised in Agawam, Montana. Even as a youngster, Alex learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.
As a young boy, Alex was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the sergeant of the family, helping to make sure that the others did what they should do and that they avoided those things they weren't supposed to. In other words, he liked to organize and direct. Alex was raised with one sibling. He had a sister, Mary G. Truchot . Alex had an inborn appreciation for the order in the family, allowing for the oldest members to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For Alex, this was a natural order of life, one he gladly embraced.
Alex's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Alex enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. He was a member of the 4-H and F. F. A. In his spare time he liked to go fishing.
In school, Alex was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Alex was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Alex's personal motto could well have been, "Do it right the first time." He graduated from Choteau High School in 1956. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was science. The teacher he enjoyed learning from the most was Mr. Reed. Alex will be remembered by classmates for having won the State Science Fair.
An objective and conscientious individual, Alex reveled in the security of his family. On September 22, 1962 Alex exchanged wedding vows with Janet Lorraine Harper at the Choteau Lutheran Church of Choteau, Montana. One of Alex's most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.
Alex was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Alex would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Alex was blessed with two children, two sons: Alexander T. Truchot and Joseph P. Truchot. They were also blessed with 1 grandson, Jonathan Alexander Truchot.
Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Alex was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Alex was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Alex upheld his standards. His primary occupation was farming. He was employed for the most part of his life as a farmer and also for the A. S. C. S. Alex was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of "give me a job, and I will get it done."
Alex approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were restoring old cars. Alex was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.
Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Alex to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included bowling and golf. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were bowling, basketball, golf and football.
Being generous with his time and energy, Alex liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. In high school, Alex was a member of the Future Farmers of America.
A civic-minded person, Alex was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. Alex was a member of the Kiwanis Club and was active with the Key Club. Politically, Alex was basically a Republican. During these years, Alex applied his analytical intellect to problem solving and so was an asset on most committees.
When it came time to travel or take a vacation, Alex used his scheduling expertise to make sure everyone and everything was ready to go. That also meant that he made certain no single person was overworked in putting the trip together. Alex had a knack for making sure that everyone who was involved had their specific tasks and that those tasks were completed. Favorite vacations included visiting family.
Alex was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Alex's favorites was Honey, his cocker spaniel. They were best friends for about 2 years. His family was rounded out by his other pets that included cats, a dog and a pig.
When Alex's retirement finally arrived in about 1995, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved staying in Choteau, Montana finding new pleasure in bowling, golf and restoring old cars. In many ways, Alex loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.
Alex passed away on January 31, 2010 at his home in Choteau, Montana. He is survived by his wife, Janet L. Truchot; his mother, Isabelle Truchot, two sons: Alex T. Truchot and Joseph P. Truchot; a sister, Mary G. Trembly and a grandson: Jonathan A. Truchot.
Services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Choteau United Methodist Church in Choteau, Montana. Alex will be laid to rest in the Choteau Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Choteau United Methodist Church or the Teton Nursing Home.
All who knew him would agree that Alex was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives.
Alexander James Truchot did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person. Possessed with traditional "old school" morals, Alex was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Alex knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.