Al passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2025. Born on August 27, 1932, in Jackson, Michigan, he enlisted in 1951 serving in the U.S. Air Force and later, Army Reserve, stationed in Japan, Alaska, and the Marshall Islands, retiring as a Master Sergeant. Al worked as a cameraman for KTVA in Alaska, with the Washtenaw County Sheriff, Universal Airlines, and later with the CSU Hayward Police. A lifelong country music fan, Al enjoyed recording, collecting, and attending events celebrating the Bakersfield sound. An avid dancer, he attended Western Swing Society events. Al is survived by his wife, Roqueta Bland; daughters Linda Sims, Diane Rice, and Susan Boeder; stepson Dan Harvey; grandchildren; and dog Charlie. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and DAV and was preceded in death by his first wife, Hiroko K. Bland; his parents; brother; and sister.