Auguste Roulet

Auguste Roulet (1886-1939) was a prominent figure in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, in the fields of law, business, and public service.

Obituary

Auguste Roulet was born in 1886 in Neuchâtel, but spent two semesters at the University of Berlin in 1908 and 1909. However, it was in Neuchâtel where his life passed, and he became one with the land and its traditions.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a notary, politician, and colonel, Auguste Roulet received a serious education and was dedicated to hard and persistent work. He had an influence in his practical life that revealed remarkable gifts at a young age, which led to him becoming an enlightened advisor, a shrewd businessman, and a great lawyer. He was conscientious and lived by the motto "Everything we do deserves to be done well."

Roulet married Elisabeth-Julie Elskess of Peseux.

Auguste Roulet had a sharp wit and a no-nonsense attitude, but he was also a fair and just advocate for his clients and fellow citizens. Despite his intense professional activity, he was also dedicated to public affairs and served on the Grand Council from 1925 to 1928 and the General Council of the city for twenty years, serving as chairman in 1929. He also directed the Association for the Economic Development of Neuchâtel with firmness and happiness and served on numerous commissions and committees.

Auguste Roulet was a devoted member of the Liberal party, but he sought the collaboration of groups and classes and was not a partisan. Although he had a sentimental respect for tradition, he was not a conservative and understood the need to look forward while preserving what is useful to the community. He had a complex background, being both city and country, but he knew and understood the people of Neuchâtel and Switzerland.

Despite his gruff exterior and occasional bitterness and disillusionment, Auguste Roulet was known for his great kindness, loyalty, and generosity to his comrades, colleagues, clients, soldiers, and friends. He occupied a great place in Neuchâtel and left a deep furrow that will not be filled any time soon. His death in 1939 was unexpected and premature, plunging the city into consternation at a time when citizens of his caliber and quality were needed more than ever.