In Memory

Al Splithoff

Al Splithoff

Alan A. Splithoff(1945 - 2014)

 

Alan A. Splithoff
Sept. 5, 1945 ~ May 2, 2014
Resident of Alamo

On May 2, 2014 a kind-hearted, generous man departed his earthly life to rest in peace eternally. Alan A. Splithoff leaves behind his loving wife, Diane Collins-Splithoff and cherished daughter, Michelle Splithoff (Andy) Corso. Alan was predeceased by his father, Dr. Clarence Splithoff, mother, Gladys Splithoff and his beloved daughter, Llisa Splithoff-Wren. Alan will be dearly missed by his sisters, Jacqueline Smith, Sherril Haynes and her husband, Dr. Richard Haynes, niece and nephew, Kathleen Puglia and Stephen Haynes. His many "four-legged" friends and exotic birds he rescued and cared for with great compassion will especially miss Alan.

Alan was born in Oakland, CA, living most of his younger years in Piedmont, then Tracy and eventually settling in Alamo, CA. His life-long love of all things "mechanical" began with his aviation career, working for SFO Helicopter and Trans-International Airlines. His true-calling began with 34 years as a valued member of the Oakland Fire Department. He was not only a firefighter, but a Chief Marine Engineer. Al remained as an independent contractor with the OFD for another eight years after his retirement. 

One of his greatest sources of pride came from being responsible for and maintaining the Oakland fireboats, the Hoga and Seawolf. Alan had a passion for working with machinery, fondly referred to as a "motor-head" by many of his close friends and colleagues. He could patiently and expertly repair or rebuild anything "broken" upon request. He enjoyed collecting antiques and was a devoted Oakland Raiders, season-ticket holder. One memorable event was attending his first and only Super Bowl with Diane (a former Raiderette) who was his best friend and partner for 28 years. Even though the Raiders did not win the game, Al and Diane came home with unforgettable memories and no regrets.

Alan was laid-to-rest in a peaceful and private service. Although he is no longer physically present, his wit, loyalty, and unselfish support for all who knew him will never be forgotten.
Published in Inside Bay Area on Sept. 14, 2014

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Deceased Classmate: Al Splithoff
Date Of Birth: September-8-1945
Date Deceased: May-2-2014
Age at Death: 68
Cause of Death: Idiopathic Pulmonary Cystic Fibrosis
Classmate City: Piedmont
Classmate State: CA
Classmate Country: USA
Was a Veteran: No
Survived By: Spouse: Suzie (deceased) Spouse: Diane Daughters: Llisa (deceased) Michelle

Al and I had many great times together. During Easter of 1964 we went to Lake Tahoe and signed up to work at Harrahs that summer. We got the jobs and proceeded to jump in his Model A and go off to the Lake for that summer. Later on we had parallel jobs in the Oakland Fire Department for over 30 years. My last Fire Dept. memory is of Al and I on a "big line" together, shooting water on a burning office building on 40th Street. After he retired, he kept up the maintenance on Oaklands Fire Boats. Great Guy!

from Tom Reese

9/8/2014



 
  Post Comment

09/09/14 12:08 PM #1    

Velda Lee Egan (-)

Ohhh....I would always see him at the White Elephant warehouse or the Alameda Antique Markets where Hooper and I did a monthly sprint. Each of us enjoyed the nostalgia trip. A brief chat ... a twinkle in his eyes and those creases in his cheeks.... he looked like he had a lot of practice smiling. 


  Post Comment