Alfred Breaw

ALFRED GORDON BREAW

BORN: 05/31/1948 DIED 09/19/2026

Affectionately known as “Big Al,” he was born to Alfred L. and Helen Breaw in Aberdeen, South Dakota. After graduating from Central High, he attended barber college in Minnesota. He married, became a father, and remained in the region until 1986, except when traveling for his music. That year, he reconnected with the former classmate Shirley Ziegler, fell in love, moved to Tucson, and married her. Although Al enjoyed barbering, his greatest passion was performing as a musician and entertainer—often as a drummer, bass player, comedian, and frontman. Early in his career, he occasionally performed with well-known artists such as Willie Nelson, Bobby Vee, and Hank Williams Jr., but he especially loved forming his own bands and traveling. Together, Al and Shirley visited every continent except Antarctica.

Shirley passed away in 2023, after a lengthy illness, and then just a few months later, Al became ill. After surgery and treatment, mutual friends introduced him to Deborah McCarty, a fellow widow who also longed for a partner with whom to share life. They soon married and spent two years loving and caring for one another. Al lived two years beyond his one-year prognosis—a gift for which they were thankful.

Al took his last breath at home with Deb and his two furry companions, Abby and Howard, by his side. Al was also cared for by his Arista nurse, Dawn, and grandson Jonathon. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Shirley; his son, Aaron Breaw; his brother-in-law, Erv Wentling; and his sister-in-law, Nola Ziegler and is survived by his wife, Deb, his sister, Ruth Wentling; his daughters, Tara Nelson and Cassie Breaw; his son, Sean Breaw; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As he requested, there will be no formal service, but a small group of friends and family will meet to celebrate Al in November.