Albin, better known as Al, was born Nov. 24, 1924 in Alhambra, Calif. the son of Albin J. and Joy O. (Draper) Gorrell. He passed away at Vista Grande Inn on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 at the age of 88.
Al attended and graduated from El Monte High School in 1942. Al served his country in the United States Navy during World War II where he was a Gunner on a Merchant Marine ship. He then went on to marry Alma Eleanor Anderson in June of 1946. Alma was a war widow who was raising a three year old daughter, Lynne on her own. The couple welcomed a daughter, Gayle to the family on December 22, 1953.
In November 1977, Al married Florence L. McNabb in Arcadia, Calif. Albin was very involved in sports and coaching young children. He was active in football and gymnastics in high school. He was a tumbling coach for two elementary schools in the El Monte School District.
Al was an incredible father; his family always came first. He took an active interest in the activities of his children. Al loved ballroom dancing and taught his girls to dance at an early age. This was a pastime he enjoyed throughout his life. Time spent outdoors brought Al much enjoyment. He loved camping in Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. He also enjoyed John Wayne and animals.
Surviving Al are his daughters, Lynne Ashway and husband, Randy of Rowland Heights, Calif. and Gayle Tape and husband, Bill of Bakersfield, Calif.; and his step-daughters, Anne Lohr of Monrovia, Calif. and Susan McQuigg of Minden, Nev. Al has also left behind his grandchildren, David Ashway, Kimberly Cunningham, Jeff Tape, Ryan Tape and Heather Blue; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his wife, Florence L. "Billie" Gorrell in December of 2012.
Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.