Albert V. Baleme "Al"
January 29, 1924 - December 19, 2020
Merced, California - Albert "Al" Baleme's Merced roots run deep. He was born in January 1924 on the corner of 16th and R streets—across from the Yosemite Valley Railroad—in the downtown home of his maternal grandparents. His parents were Albert Victor Sr. and Filomena (Montersino) Baleme (Bert & Minnie).
Al attended LeConte Elementary, spending much of his childhood living in the Ragsdale area of Merced, where he learned to swim in Bear Creek. The family eventually moved to the Franklin area, where his father, supervisor of Merced's Cross Lumber Co., started a goat farm.
Until age 10, Al was an "only child." When his parents brought home baby sister Thelma, life changed greatly. He was in charge of his beloved younger sibling. No little girls lived nearby, so Thelma joined her big brother and his buddies on outings, including swimming in the canal near their home on Fox Road. Al took Thelma everywhere and always to the circus when it was in town.
While in high school, Al drove the Franklin School bus part time. After graduating Merced High School during World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he ended up at Pyote Air Force Base, in Texas. The base was called "Rattlesnake Bomber Base." He became a lead mechanic on the B-29 Superfortress until 1943, when he returned to Merced to work at Cross Lumber, alongside his father and several uncles.
Al met his sweetheart, Helen Combs, at Cross Lumber. Her dad was employed there and she dropped him off early each morning. She'd sit in the car until it was time to go to work at a local supermarket. Al arrived early too. They became good friends, chatting while waiting to go to work. He really liked Helen. She was easier to talk with than other girls. This chance meeting led to a 67-year marriage.
Prior to marrying Helen in 1947, Al built their home on West 23rd Street, where they lived for 40 years and reared two daughters.
Merced was in Al's DNA. When the girls were young, the family lived briefly in Coos Bay, Oregon. But the Central Valley beckoned them home. Later, even after extensive travels on cruise ships and by air, Al and Helen remained committed to their home in Merced.
Al had lots of "toys" in his adult life, including a Harley Davidson motorcycle. In 1955, he got hooked on water-skiing during a family fishing trip to Lake Yosemite, where he first saw people standing on two boards while hanging onto a rope behind a fast-moving boat. He went home, figured out how to make skis, and his fishing boat never fished again! Eventually, Al got a faster boat and water-skiing became the family passion. He loved skiing doubles with a partner, crisscrossing while jumping the wake. One time, "hot-dog skier" Al showed off a little too much. Misjudging his speed, he came in too hot while attempting to step off his slalom ski onto shore. The rudder caught and he slid up the bank on his derriere, which was black and blue for weeks.
Al, Helen and their extended family could be found on a number of Central Valley lakes throughout the summers. Eventually, Al built a tiny houseboat and everyone loved it. So, in 1972, he began building a large houseboat, launching the "Playhouse" in 1973 on Lake McClure. The boat hosted many wonderful parties over the decades, both with family and friends. Al's grand-kids have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish and ski. They loved sleeping under the stars on the second story of the boat.
Another chapter in Al and Helen's long adventure together includes their years as avid RVers. They crisscrossed the country in their motor home, taking in the scenery, finding treasures at antique shops and making friends along the way. Al drove across the southern and northern U.S. routes twice, many times in caravans with friends. He even drove to Guadalajara, Mexico, twice and up the Alkan Highway to Alaska once. They belonged to the Shriner's Mobile Nobles and the Roaming Elks.
Al and Helen were a blast. Both were great dancers who loved to entertain friends. They hosted many epic Halloween parties. One year they dressed as twin sisters in matching wigs, hot pink dresses, nylon stockings and heels. Al won the best legs contest! He was a fun guy, a good sport, and we're pretty sure he never said "no" to Helen.
At just 21 years old, Al joined the Italo-American Lodge and the Elk's Lodge Merced #1240. In recent years, he was very proud to have been the longest member, at 75 years. Al was a Mason and a Shriner as well. He loved the fellowship and raising funds for worthy causes.
Al was a craftsman who could make or fix anything. He always said "the impossible jobs take a little longer." He had contractor's licenses for many trades. In his early years he was part owner of Baleme Construction Co. and Divine & Baleme Custom Cabinet Shop. Al ended his career working for the City of Merced for 20 years, retiring as the Chief Building Official in 1987. He was also on the Board of Directors of MERCO Credit Union from 1980 to 1990.
The year Al retired, he and Helen moved out of their house to help care for his uncle, Lloyd Ivey, who lived in a lovely home on McSwain Road. After Lloyd passed away, they ended up living there for over 30 years. That home was "party central" for friends, neighbors and family. A year after Helen died in 2015, Al moved into town and set up residence in Pacifica Senior Living. Despite having advanced macular degeneration, Al strolled all around the facility independently, without the aid of a cane or walker. He made many friends in his new home, and enjoyed listening to books on tape. He made the best of life no matter what.
A longtime black coffee drinker, Al switched over to hot chocolate the last couple of years. He was a known chocoholic, but his family recently learned that Tootsie Rolls were a favorite sweet treat since childhood. A lifelong music lover, Al was faithful in his attendance to musicians' performances at Pacifica. He was always soft-spoken, smiling and kind, and he loved to tease the caregivers and staff. He was a beloved resident who enjoyed the social aspect of living in "a community."
Al's kind and thoughtful gestures are too numerous to list. One small example is how he used his computer to make custom greeting cards for friends and loved-ones.
Among his many accomplishments, Al's greatest is the legacy he leaves for his family. His actions throughout life taught them how to be good, positive, honest and kind human beings. Al was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true and loyal friend. After Helen's passing, while briefly waxing nostalgic, Al said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his life.
A quote from an unknown author says it best: "There is not a man living, however poor he may be, but has it in his power to leave as a heritage to those that follow him the grandest thing on earth—character."
Al passed into eternity on Dec. 19, 2020. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Helen, and his beloved daughter, Alice. He is survived by his sister Thelma Love, daughter Carolyn (Rick) Kiesz; son-in-law Glenn Wood; grandchildren Joel (Maggie) Daugherty, Glenn A. (Soonoak) Wood, Melissa (Matt) Daugherty, and Ryan Wood; sister-in-law Patricia (Leroy) Metz as well as seven great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews.
A private family interment is planned. A celebration of Al's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced Elks Park, care of Roaming Elks/Attention: Barb, 2935 Tahoe Drive, Merced, CA 95340.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in & from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021.
January 29, 1924 - December 19, 2020
Merced, California - Albert "Al" Baleme's Merced roots run deep. He was born in January 1924 on the corner of 16th and R streets—across from the Yosemite Valley Railroad—in the downtown home of his maternal grandparents. His parents were Albert Victor Sr. and Filomena (Montersino) Baleme (Bert & Minnie).
Al attended LeConte Elementary, spending much of his childhood living in the Ragsdale area of Merced, where he learned to swim in Bear Creek. The family eventually moved to the Franklin area, where his father, supervisor of Merced's Cross Lumber Co., started a goat farm.
Until age 10, Al was an "only child." When his parents brought home baby sister Thelma, life changed greatly. He was in charge of his beloved younger sibling. No little girls lived nearby, so Thelma joined her big brother and his buddies on outings, including swimming in the canal near their home on Fox Road. Al took Thelma everywhere and always to the circus when it was in town.
While in high school, Al drove the Franklin School bus part time. After graduating Merced High School during World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he ended up at Pyote Air Force Base, in Texas. The base was called "Rattlesnake Bomber Base." He became a lead mechanic on the B-29 Superfortress until 1943, when he returned to Merced to work at Cross Lumber, alongside his father and several uncles.
Al met his sweetheart, Helen Combs, at Cross Lumber. Her dad was employed there and she dropped him off early each morning. She'd sit in the car until it was time to go to work at a local supermarket. Al arrived early too. They became good friends, chatting while waiting to go to work. He really liked Helen. She was easier to talk with than other girls. This chance meeting led to a 67-year marriage.
Prior to marrying Helen in 1947, Al built their home on West 23rd Street, where they lived for 40 years and reared two daughters.
Merced was in Al's DNA. When the girls were young, the family lived briefly in Coos Bay, Oregon. But the Central Valley beckoned them home. Later, even after extensive travels on cruise ships and by air, Al and Helen remained committed to their home in Merced.
Al had lots of "toys" in his adult life, including a Harley Davidson motorcycle. In 1955, he got hooked on water-skiing during a family fishing trip to Lake Yosemite, where he first saw people standing on two boards while hanging onto a rope behind a fast-moving boat. He went home, figured out how to make skis, and his fishing boat never fished again! Eventually, Al got a faster boat and water-skiing became the family passion. He loved skiing doubles with a partner, crisscrossing while jumping the wake. One time, "hot-dog skier" Al showed off a little too much. Misjudging his speed, he came in too hot while attempting to step off his slalom ski onto shore. The rudder caught and he slid up the bank on his derriere, which was black and blue for weeks.
Al, Helen and their extended family could be found on a number of Central Valley lakes throughout the summers. Eventually, Al built a tiny houseboat and everyone loved it. So, in 1972, he began building a large houseboat, launching the "Playhouse" in 1973 on Lake McClure. The boat hosted many wonderful parties over the decades, both with family and friends. Al's grand-kids have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish and ski. They loved sleeping under the stars on the second story of the boat.
Another chapter in Al and Helen's long adventure together includes their years as avid RVers. They crisscrossed the country in their motor home, taking in the scenery, finding treasures at antique shops and making friends along the way. Al drove across the southern and northern U.S. routes twice, many times in caravans with friends. He even drove to Guadalajara, Mexico, twice and up the Alkan Highway to Alaska once. They belonged to the Shriner's Mobile Nobles and the Roaming Elks.
Al and Helen were a blast. Both were great dancers who loved to entertain friends. They hosted many epic Halloween parties. One year they dressed as twin sisters in matching wigs, hot pink dresses, nylon stockings and heels. Al won the best legs contest! He was a fun guy, a good sport, and we're pretty sure he never said "no" to Helen.
At just 21 years old, Al joined the Italo-American Lodge and the Elk's Lodge Merced #1240. In recent years, he was very proud to have been the longest member, at 75 years. Al was a Mason and a Shriner as well. He loved the fellowship and raising funds for worthy causes.
Al was a craftsman who could make or fix anything. He always said "the impossible jobs take a little longer." He had contractor's licenses for many trades. In his early years he was part owner of Baleme Construction Co. and Divine & Baleme Custom Cabinet Shop. Al ended his career working for the City of Merced for 20 years, retiring as the Chief Building Official in 1987. He was also on the Board of Directors of MERCO Credit Union from 1980 to 1990.
The year Al retired, he and Helen moved out of their house to help care for his uncle, Lloyd Ivey, who lived in a lovely home on McSwain Road. After Lloyd passed away, they ended up living there for over 30 years. That home was "party central" for friends, neighbors and family. A year after Helen died in 2015, Al moved into town and set up residence in Pacifica Senior Living. Despite having advanced macular degeneration, Al strolled all around the facility independently, without the aid of a cane or walker. He made many friends in his new home, and enjoyed listening to books on tape. He made the best of life no matter what.
A longtime black coffee drinker, Al switched over to hot chocolate the last couple of years. He was a known chocoholic, but his family recently learned that Tootsie Rolls were a favorite sweet treat since childhood. A lifelong music lover, Al was faithful in his attendance to musicians' performances at Pacifica. He was always soft-spoken, smiling and kind, and he loved to tease the caregivers and staff. He was a beloved resident who enjoyed the social aspect of living in "a community."
Al's kind and thoughtful gestures are too numerous to list. One small example is how he used his computer to make custom greeting cards for friends and loved-ones.
Among his many accomplishments, Al's greatest is the legacy he leaves for his family. His actions throughout life taught them how to be good, positive, honest and kind human beings. Al was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true and loyal friend. After Helen's passing, while briefly waxing nostalgic, Al said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his life.
A quote from an unknown author says it best: "There is not a man living, however poor he may be, but has it in his power to leave as a heritage to those that follow him the grandest thing on earth—character."
Al passed into eternity on Dec. 19, 2020. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Helen, and his beloved daughter, Alice. He is survived by his sister Thelma Love, daughter Carolyn (Rick) Kiesz; son-in-law Glenn Wood; grandchildren Joel (Maggie) Daugherty, Glenn A. (Soonoak) Wood, Melissa (Matt) Daugherty, and Ryan Wood; sister-in-law Patricia (Leroy) Metz as well as seven great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews.
A private family interment is planned. A celebration of Al's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced Elks Park, care of Roaming Elks/Attention: Barb, 2935 Tahoe Drive, Merced, CA 95340.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in & from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021.
Albert V. Baleme "Al"
January 29, 1924 - December 19, 2020
Merced, California - Albert "Al" Baleme's Merced roots run deep. He was born in January 1924 on the corner of 16th and R streets—across from the Yosemite Valley Railroad—in the downtown home of his maternal grandparents. His parents were Albert Victor Sr. and Filomena (Montersino) Baleme (Bert & Minnie).
Al attended LeConte Elementary, spending much of his childhood living in the Ragsdale area of Merced, where he learned to swim in Bear Creek. The family eventually moved to the Franklin area, where his father, supervisor of Merced's Cross Lumber Co., started a goat farm.
Until age 10, Al was an "only child." When his parents brought home baby sister Thelma, life changed greatly. He was in charge of his beloved younger sibling. No little girls lived nearby, so Thelma joined her big brother and his buddies on outings, including swimming in the canal near their home on Fox Road. Al took Thelma everywhere and always to the circus when it was in town.
While in high school, Al drove the Franklin School bus part time. After graduating Merced High School during World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he ended up at Pyote Air Force Base, in Texas. The base was called "Rattlesnake Bomber Base." He became a lead mechanic on the B-29 Superfortress until 1943, when he returned to Merced to work at Cross Lumber, alongside his father and several uncles.
Al met his sweetheart, Helen Combs, at Cross Lumber. Her dad was employed there and she dropped him off early each morning. She'd sit in the car until it was time to go to work at a local supermarket. Al arrived early too. They became good friends, chatting while waiting to go to work. He really liked Helen. She was easier to talk with than other girls. This chance meeting led to a 67-year marriage.
Prior to marrying Helen in 1947, Al built their home on West 23rd Street, where they lived for 40 years and reared two daughters.
Merced was in Al's DNA. When the girls were young, the family lived briefly in Coos Bay, Oregon. But the Central Valley beckoned them home. Later, even after extensive travels on cruise ships and by air, Al and Helen remained committed to their home in Merced.
Al had lots of "toys" in his adult life, including a Harley Davidson motorcycle. In 1955, he got hooked on water-skiing during a family fishing trip to Lake Yosemite, where he first saw people standing on two boards while hanging onto a rope behind a fast-moving boat. He went home, figured out how to make skis, and his fishing boat never fished again! Eventually, Al got a faster boat and water-skiing became the family passion. He loved skiing doubles with a partner, crisscrossing while jumping the wake. One time, "hot-dog skier" Al showed off a little too much. Misjudging his speed, he came in too hot while attempting to step off his slalom ski onto shore. The rudder caught and he slid up the bank on his derriere, which was black and blue for weeks.
Al, Helen and their extended family could be found on a number of Central Valley lakes throughout the summers. Eventually, Al built a tiny houseboat and everyone loved it. So, in 1972, he began building a large houseboat, launching the "Playhouse" in 1973 on Lake McClure. The boat hosted many wonderful parties over the decades, both with family and friends. Al's grand-kids have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish and ski. They loved sleeping under the stars on the second story of the boat.
Another chapter in Al and Helen's long adventure together includes their years as avid RVers. They crisscrossed the country in their motor home, taking in the scenery, finding treasures at antique shops and making friends along the way. Al drove across the southern and northern U.S. routes twice, many times in caravans with friends. He even drove to Guadalajara, Mexico, twice and up the Alkan Highway to Alaska once. They belonged to the Shriner's Mobile Nobles and the Roaming Elks.
Al and Helen were a blast. Both were great dancers who loved to entertain friends. They hosted many epic Halloween parties. One year they dressed as twin sisters in matching wigs, hot pink dresses, nylon stockings and heels. Al won the best legs contest! He was a fun guy, a good sport, and we're pretty sure he never said "no" to Helen.
At just 21 years old, Al joined the Italo-American Lodge and the Elk's Lodge Merced #1240. In recent years, he was very proud to have been the longest member, at 75 years. Al was a Mason and a Shriner as well. He loved the fellowship and raising funds for worthy causes.
Al was a craftsman who could make or fix anything. He always said "the impossible jobs take a little longer." He had contractor's licenses for many trades. In his early years he was part owner of Baleme Construction Co. and Divine & Baleme Custom Cabinet Shop. Al ended his career working for the City of Merced for 20 years, retiring as the Chief Building Official in 1987. He was also on the Board of Directors of MERCO Credit Union from 1980 to 1990.
The year Al retired, he and Helen moved out of their house to help care for his uncle, Lloyd Ivey, who lived in a lovely home on McSwain Road. After Lloyd passed away, they ended up living there for over 30 years. That home was "party central" for friends, neighbors and family. A year after Helen died in 2015, Al moved into town and set up residence in Pacifica Senior Living. Despite having advanced macular degeneration, Al strolled all around the facility independently, without the aid of a cane or walker. He made many friends in his new home, and enjoyed listening to books on tape. He made the best of life no matter what.
A longtime black coffee drinker, Al switched over to hot chocolate the last couple of years. He was a known chocoholic, but his family recently learned that Tootsie Rolls were a favorite sweet treat since childhood. A lifelong music lover, Al was faithful in his attendance to musicians' performances at Pacifica. He was always soft-spoken, smiling and kind, and he loved to tease the caregivers and staff. He was a beloved resident who enjoyed the social aspect of living in "a community."
Al's kind and thoughtful gestures are too numerous to list. One small example is how he used his computer to make custom greeting cards for friends and loved-ones.
Among his many accomplishments, Al's greatest is the legacy he leaves for his family. His actions throughout life taught them how to be good, positive, honest and kind human beings. Al was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true and loyal friend. After Helen's passing, while briefly waxing nostalgic, Al said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his life.
A quote from an unknown author says it best: "There is not a man living, however poor he may be, but has it in his power to leave as a heritage to those that follow him the grandest thing on earth—character."
Al passed into eternity on Dec. 19, 2020. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Helen, and his beloved daughter, Alice. He is survived by his sister Thelma Love, daughter Carolyn (Rick) Kiesz; son-in-law Glenn Wood; grandchildren Joel (Maggie) Daugherty, Glenn A. (Soonoak) Wood, Melissa (Matt) Daugherty, and Ryan Wood; sister-in-law Patricia (Leroy) Metz as well as seven great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews.
A private family interment is planned. A celebration of Al's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced Elks Park, care of Roaming Elks/Attention: Barb, 2935 Tahoe Drive, Merced, CA 95340.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in & from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021.
January 29, 1924 - December 19, 2020
Merced, California - Albert "Al" Baleme's Merced roots run deep. He was born in January 1924 on the corner of 16th and R streets—across from the Yosemite Valley Railroad—in the downtown home of his maternal grandparents. His parents were Albert Victor Sr. and Filomena (Montersino) Baleme (Bert & Minnie).
Al attended LeConte Elementary, spending much of his childhood living in the Ragsdale area of Merced, where he learned to swim in Bear Creek. The family eventually moved to the Franklin area, where his father, supervisor of Merced's Cross Lumber Co., started a goat farm.
Until age 10, Al was an "only child." When his parents brought home baby sister Thelma, life changed greatly. He was in charge of his beloved younger sibling. No little girls lived nearby, so Thelma joined her big brother and his buddies on outings, including swimming in the canal near their home on Fox Road. Al took Thelma everywhere and always to the circus when it was in town.
While in high school, Al drove the Franklin School bus part time. After graduating Merced High School during World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, where he ended up at Pyote Air Force Base, in Texas. The base was called "Rattlesnake Bomber Base." He became a lead mechanic on the B-29 Superfortress until 1943, when he returned to Merced to work at Cross Lumber, alongside his father and several uncles.
Al met his sweetheart, Helen Combs, at Cross Lumber. Her dad was employed there and she dropped him off early each morning. She'd sit in the car until it was time to go to work at a local supermarket. Al arrived early too. They became good friends, chatting while waiting to go to work. He really liked Helen. She was easier to talk with than other girls. This chance meeting led to a 67-year marriage.
Prior to marrying Helen in 1947, Al built their home on West 23rd Street, where they lived for 40 years and reared two daughters.
Merced was in Al's DNA. When the girls were young, the family lived briefly in Coos Bay, Oregon. But the Central Valley beckoned them home. Later, even after extensive travels on cruise ships and by air, Al and Helen remained committed to their home in Merced.
Al had lots of "toys" in his adult life, including a Harley Davidson motorcycle. In 1955, he got hooked on water-skiing during a family fishing trip to Lake Yosemite, where he first saw people standing on two boards while hanging onto a rope behind a fast-moving boat. He went home, figured out how to make skis, and his fishing boat never fished again! Eventually, Al got a faster boat and water-skiing became the family passion. He loved skiing doubles with a partner, crisscrossing while jumping the wake. One time, "hot-dog skier" Al showed off a little too much. Misjudging his speed, he came in too hot while attempting to step off his slalom ski onto shore. The rudder caught and he slid up the bank on his derriere, which was black and blue for weeks.
Al, Helen and their extended family could be found on a number of Central Valley lakes throughout the summers. Eventually, Al built a tiny houseboat and everyone loved it. So, in 1972, he began building a large houseboat, launching the "Playhouse" in 1973 on Lake McClure. The boat hosted many wonderful parties over the decades, both with family and friends. Al's grand-kids have fond memories of him teaching them how to fish and ski. They loved sleeping under the stars on the second story of the boat.
Another chapter in Al and Helen's long adventure together includes their years as avid RVers. They crisscrossed the country in their motor home, taking in the scenery, finding treasures at antique shops and making friends along the way. Al drove across the southern and northern U.S. routes twice, many times in caravans with friends. He even drove to Guadalajara, Mexico, twice and up the Alkan Highway to Alaska once. They belonged to the Shriner's Mobile Nobles and the Roaming Elks.
Al and Helen were a blast. Both were great dancers who loved to entertain friends. They hosted many epic Halloween parties. One year they dressed as twin sisters in matching wigs, hot pink dresses, nylon stockings and heels. Al won the best legs contest! He was a fun guy, a good sport, and we're pretty sure he never said "no" to Helen.
At just 21 years old, Al joined the Italo-American Lodge and the Elk's Lodge Merced #1240. In recent years, he was very proud to have been the longest member, at 75 years. Al was a Mason and a Shriner as well. He loved the fellowship and raising funds for worthy causes.
Al was a craftsman who could make or fix anything. He always said "the impossible jobs take a little longer." He had contractor's licenses for many trades. In his early years he was part owner of Baleme Construction Co. and Divine & Baleme Custom Cabinet Shop. Al ended his career working for the City of Merced for 20 years, retiring as the Chief Building Official in 1987. He was also on the Board of Directors of MERCO Credit Union from 1980 to 1990.
The year Al retired, he and Helen moved out of their house to help care for his uncle, Lloyd Ivey, who lived in a lovely home on McSwain Road. After Lloyd passed away, they ended up living there for over 30 years. That home was "party central" for friends, neighbors and family. A year after Helen died in 2015, Al moved into town and set up residence in Pacifica Senior Living. Despite having advanced macular degeneration, Al strolled all around the facility independently, without the aid of a cane or walker. He made many friends in his new home, and enjoyed listening to books on tape. He made the best of life no matter what.
A longtime black coffee drinker, Al switched over to hot chocolate the last couple of years. He was a known chocoholic, but his family recently learned that Tootsie Rolls were a favorite sweet treat since childhood. A lifelong music lover, Al was faithful in his attendance to musicians' performances at Pacifica. He was always soft-spoken, smiling and kind, and he loved to tease the caregivers and staff. He was a beloved resident who enjoyed the social aspect of living in "a community."
Al's kind and thoughtful gestures are too numerous to list. One small example is how he used his computer to make custom greeting cards for friends and loved-ones.
Among his many accomplishments, Al's greatest is the legacy he leaves for his family. His actions throughout life taught them how to be good, positive, honest and kind human beings. Al was a wonderful husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a true and loyal friend. After Helen's passing, while briefly waxing nostalgic, Al said that he wouldn't have changed a thing in his life.
A quote from an unknown author says it best: "There is not a man living, however poor he may be, but has it in his power to leave as a heritage to those that follow him the grandest thing on earth—character."
Al passed into eternity on Dec. 19, 2020. He was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Helen, and his beloved daughter, Alice. He is survived by his sister Thelma Love, daughter Carolyn (Rick) Kiesz; son-in-law Glenn Wood; grandchildren Joel (Maggie) Daugherty, Glenn A. (Soonoak) Wood, Melissa (Matt) Daugherty, and Ryan Wood; sister-in-law Patricia (Leroy) Metz as well as seven great grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews.
A private family interment is planned. A celebration of Al's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Merced Elks Park, care of Roaming Elks/Attention: Barb, 2935 Tahoe Drive, Merced, CA 95340.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in & from Jan. 9 to Jan. 10, 2021.
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