Allen D. Albright
September 21, 1931-April 4, 2017
Allen Duane Albright, 85, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at his son's home in Valdez, Alaska. Allen was born September 21, 1931, to Marvin and Dorothy Albright in Jonesboro, Illinois, the 4th oldest of 10 children.
With his parents' permission, Allen left home to become a cow puncher on a ranch at the age of 12. When Allen turned 17, he joined the U.S. Army and served six years.
After returning home from Europe, he met the love of his life, Janetta Mae Templeton, and they married in December 1955 at the "Assembly of God" church in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
Allen's dream of going to Alaska became a reality in 1975 when he was offered a job on the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. After retiring from Alyeska Pipeline Service Co. in 1992, Allen and Jan soon moved back to Hartshorne, Oklahoma to enjoy retirement.
He loved to spend time with family and friends playing cards and Allen always had a good story to tell. He also enjoyed going fishing and hunting every chance he got.
Allen is survived by his two sons, Randy and Mary Albright, and Greg and Luba Albright; grandchildren, Jessilin Albright, Lacey and Michael Ace, Nathan Albright, Molly Albright, Allen Albright, and Ksenia Albright; great-grandchild, GraceLynn Janetta Mae Ace; sisters, Linda Taylor, Shirley Dixon and Jan Jarrell; brother, Lyle Albright, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Allen was preceded in death by his wife, Janetta Albright; parents, Marvin and Dorothy Albright; sisters, Jean Jones and Joyce Trant; brothers, Bill Albright, Ronald Albright and Jack Albright.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29, at 11 a.m. with Pastor David Sanchez officiating at the Church of Christ in Hartshorne. Graveside services will follow and afterwards, family and friends can gather at Allen and Jan's home to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to a charity of choice.
Published April 14, 2017 by McAlester News-Capital, McAlester, OK
Larry Motschenbacher
Alyeska Announcement -
We are sad to inform you of the death of retiree Allen D. Albright on Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Al joined TAPS in 1975, rehired as a direct Alyeska employee in 1981 and retired in 1992.
Al’s career spanned the Pipeline and Valdez Marine Terminal with diverse and challenging jobs. In the late 1970’s Al accepted assignments as Field Accountant, Project Manager, and from 1979-1980 was Camp Manager for the Franklin Bluffs Camp with a peak population of 350 personnel. Al’s background in project accounting and project management was valued and he was requested for the role of Logistics Support Specialist before moving into supervisory positions in the 1980’s.
Al retired as the Valdez Equipment Supervisor. He was recognized for his work in making sure operating needs were met night and day, for going the extra mile, and for always giving 110% regardless of the assignment or tight timeline.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
Bill Howitt
Man, this one hits me hard. Al and I worked together for a very long time on many, many projects. It's hard to say whether he or Ben Holeman were the best logistics people ever to work the pipeline. Let's call it a tie.
Al was a most reliable and thorough person. I could absolutely depend on him to do the job right and on time. Not sure if we could have built Pump 2 or done the Mile 200 re-route without him. He and Cliff Moore also taught me how to play darts at Franklin Bluffs; first time I ever heard the term "good darts."
I used to say that if you wanted a new project construction camp built, all you had to do was ask Al to have it done by such a date. That was all you had to do. You knew that he would take care of it and get it done right. You could just show up on the specified date and sit down to dinner...and maybe play a game of darts.
On top of it all, he was a soft spoken gentleman. Rest in peace old friend.
Chuck O'Donnell
I can't add anything that Bill Howitt has already not said in his posting. Al was a tremendous resource that I had the pleasure of working with during normal and upset conditions that we encountered in the early ramp up days of the pipeline. Al taught me a lot, and I have always been grateful that I had the opportunity to know him, and work with him while stationed at the Terminal.
Christie Lensky (Adams)
I LOVED working with Al! He was everything that everyone above has said. Kind, soft-spoken, funny and firm. When we were both still in the Equipment Deparment working for Keith Burke (mid 1980's I guess), I had the pleasure of spending a few weeks traveling the line with him doing the equipment inventory. He knew where EVEYTHING was! And he had the energy and agility of a man in his 30's; climbing up, down and over every piece of equipment. Here he is with Rick (Miller?) from accounting. No matter how hot, cold, tired, dusty or wet (and forever smelling like Cutters) we were, he always, always, always had a positive outlook and something good to say. He truly will be missed.
Keith Burke
Al Albright was a true gentleman, a loal company man, a reliable friend, and everything a husband and father could be. I met Al in 1975 and had the pleasure working with him for 20 years. As Bill, Chuck and Christie have already said those 20 years were fun. you will be truely missed Al. Heaven is a better place with you there!!
Mel Jessee
Al was a genuine, honest and good friend. Lots of memories with Al, but some fun ones were in the late 70's and early 80's while working on the construction of PS#2 and PS#7 projects. Al and I also were part of a car pool group, so we spent a lot of time together. We also had a monthly dart get together with a few of us who took turns hosting. We drank lots of beer, ate lots of food and played a lot of darts. When working in the Bragaw Annex, second floor, we had a corner office where we put up a dart board during lunch time as well...Al worked as hard as he played and was always someone who I trusted and could always count on. God bless you for a good life lived Al!!!Linda Gillaspie
I was so very fortunate to know Al & work with him in Equipment Department for many, many years. He was excellent, was a friend, very giving and helping always........................GOD bless Al!
Larry Nobis
Whenever I think about "the good old days on the pipeline, Al would always occupy many of the memories. A good man, a dedicated worker, a good friend and a very considerate person. What a great individual on and off the job.