Albert "Al" O. Espelund Jr.'s Obituary
Al passed away peacefully at home surrounded by many of his loving family members. He was a loving husband, great dad, amazing grandfather and great grandfather. He never met a stranger he didn’t welcome and always had a story or a joke to share.
Al was born in Poulsbo Washington on December 22, 1932 to Albert Sr and Agnes Espelund. He was raised in Poulsbo and graduated from North Kitsap High School in 1950. Soon after, Al married the love of his life Bobbie on May 29, 1952. Albert is survived by his wife Bobbie of nearly 66 years, his 5 children Kris (Sharon), Pam McNutt (Jonathan), Jack (Debbie), Sue Anne Reeves (Tim), Michele Green (Bill), 13 grandchildren (including spouses), 6 great grandchildren and a 7th on the way!
Al was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and retired in 1975. His 22 years of service included tours of duty in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his years of service he earned the following awards: Legion of Merit, Valor of Service, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Accommodation Award and 6 Good Conduct Ribbons. His military career took him, and his family, to many wonderful places including Fort Lewis WA, Fort Leonard Wood MO, Hochst Germany, Aschaffenburg Germany and Oberammergau Germany.
After Al retired from the Army he attended Steilacoom Community College where he earned his Associate Of Arts Degree in Computer Programming. After finishing his degree he worked at the Bremerton Naval Yard from 1979 to 1995.
Al cherished his family time. He loved traveling through Europe with his family while in the Army, family get togethers, annual camping trips, cheering on grandchildren and great grandchildren in their activities, playing golf and watching his local sports teams. His family felt his unconditional love and totally enjoyed their time with him. “Pops”, as he was affectionately known by many, will always be remembered with a smile.
Al was an active member at Christ Lutheran Church and cherished his time as a MOPS volunteer and was fondly known as Grandpa Al to numerous young people there. He loved volunteering as a church greeter, communion glass washer, trunk or treater and Easter egg candy donator.
Al was a member of the Masonic Lodge where he reached the 32nd level, Scottish Rites, and Shriners where he was member of the Jesters. He enjoyed being a part of the Shriners parades, including the annual Daffodil Parade. It brought him such joy to fire off the Shriners canon, and he loved how it was a “big bang” that everyone enjoyed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 1:30 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lakewood, Washington with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Christ Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in Lakewood WA or Shriners Hospital for Children – Portland, Oregon.
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