Maurice Audet, the oldest person in Palmerston (and probably most of the region) celebrated his 105th birthday on May 18 at the Royal Terrace.
His wife of over 50 years, Betty, arranged for a small party for residents and friends that day.
The Audets’ son Richard, of Smithers, BC, came especially for the occasion, bringing greetings from his wife, Shawna and son Sebastian. Maurice was 96 when his grandson was born.
It’s rare that a person lives to their 105th birthday but there is also a remarkable life story that unfolded over those 105 years. Maurice’s life has been dedicated to serving and helping others.
Many local people will remember Maurice as a high school teacher who was passionate about his job and taught with an intense energy. He taught Latin and later English at Norwell Secondary School from 1963 until 1978.
Many others may know Maurice from his time as a volunteer in the community. He was very active helping senior citizens in Palmerston. He acted as head of the senior’s group for a number of years. He delivered Meals on Wheels to shut-ins, organized entertainment at the Royal Terrace and acted as a hospice worker for the Victoria Order of Nurses. Maurice was awarded a National Gold Medal for his volunteer work with the VON. He loved helping the “old people,” even when he was their senior.
Much of his life before reaching Palmerston was truly remarkable. His most extraordinary adventures were in China and Japan. Maurice went overseas in the 1930s. He went to Manchuria in northern China as a volunteer with the Catholic church. He became a language teacher at the University of Kirin and promptly learned Chinese.
Manchuria was invaded by Japan at the very start of the Second World War. Maurice was invited to be their “honorable guest” in a prisoner of war camp. For five years he endured the war camp and found ways to make life bearable for his fellow inmates.
One of the things he did was organize a theatre troupe in the camp.
When the Japanese left the camp Maurice went back to the university and started to teach again.
Historical events would once again throw his life into chaos. The Chinese communist revolution began in his region of China and Maurice wisely fled south and eventually arranged a deal with the American military to make his escape.
Soon after returning to Canada he decided his days of adventure were not done. In 1947 he returned to Asia and began teaching high school in Japan.
When his Asian adventures were done, Maurice ended up teaching school in Ottawa, where he met Betty.
Submitted by Richard Audet
