FIGUEROA, Alvino G. (Al)

Williams News, Williams, Arizona Tuesday, August 04, 2015 Alvino G. Figueroa, original of Williams, passed away on June 22, 2015 due to injuries suffered upon being hit by a car in downtown San Luis Obispo, California. Although the circumstances of his death were tragic, Al lived a long and incredibly rich life, leaving a lasting glow of warmth, humor, spirituality and compassion which all who were fortunate enough to know him are touched by. The youngest son of Mexican immigrant parents, Bardomiano Figueroa and Aurelia Gonzalez, Al was born in Williams, Arizona in the winter of 1926. Al had six older sisters and brothers, and his family quickly became part of the Williams community. Al and his brothers latched onto swing jazz, received formal musical training and built a popular stage band called the Synchopaters, playing dances and functions across Northern Arizona. Al's musical skill, primarily as a trumpet player, earned him a scholarship to Northern Arizona University (then known as Arizona State College). Al earned both Bachelors of Education as well as Masters of Business degrees before getting his first teaching job at a Navajo Elementary School near Sanders, Arizona. He then took a position as a sixth grade teacher in Brawley, California from 1954-1960, interrupted by two years of Army service during the Korean War (mainly playing in military bands). Returning to Brawley in 1958, Al met a new teacher at the school, Betty Lou Dixon. Al and Betty struck a friendship, which turned into a romance and then into a marriage and life-long bond. Mutual respect for their different cultural and religious backgrounds forged this bond, bucking traditions, forming the base for their set of integrated values. After marrying, Al and Betty moved to Redlands, California in 1960, where they settled and raised two sons, David and Eric. Al worked briefly at Yucaipa High School, as a Spanish teacher, and then took a position at Redlands High School, where he worked until retirement in 1989. For the last 20 years of his High School career Al was a counselor. His active social demeanor, language skills and interest in people made him very popular. After retirement Al and Betty enjoyed travels, particularly to Scandinavia to visit relatives on Betty's side of the family and to visit their oldest son David. After Betty's passing in 2000 Al continued travelling to Sweden annually and made a number of great friendships. He also played in several Redlands local bands often performing at retirement homes around the Redlands area. At the time of his death, Al was in San Luis Obispo to be part of his grandson Nils' graduation from San Luis Obispo High School. Al is survived by his sister Ursula Garcia, of Williams Arizona, two sons: David, who lives in San Luis Obispo, and Eric, who lives in Redlands; David's family, wife Lena and son and daughter Nils and Lisa. He is also survived by many nephews and nieces and their families in Arizona, California and Utah. Al was enthusiastic about positive human interaction. His humanity and spontaneity endeared him to many. Considering his influence we only hope our love and wishes carry with him in moving on. We thank Al for all he has given us.