Al was born on July 13, 1940 in New York City to Harold Cooper Suydam and Jean Louise Damon. He was raised in New Jersey, which may account for his frequent use of colorful language, strange pronunciation of words, and enjoyment in arguing.
Al was a standout athlete at Newton High School and earned a sports scholarship to Trinidad Junior College in Colorado. After two years, he transferred to Colorado State College at Greeley, where he played in the College World Series twice, and earned All-Conference Honors in 1962.
After earning his Bachelor's Degree, Al moved to California in 1964 and began teaching for the Los Angeles Unified School District. He worked as an educator for 32 years, first as a History teacher and coach at Granada Hills High School, then as principal of West Granada High, an alternative school. Al retired in 1996.
Al spent much of his life engaging in his favorite pastimes: fishing, golfing, and baseball. He spent nearly every summer fishing in Colorado, returning to California with enough trout that he gave the surplus to friends. At Sun Lakes Country Club, Al served as President and Tournament Chairman of the Men's Golf Club, participating in numerous competitions. He was a baseball fan throughout his life and coached many teams after retiring from the sport. Although a longtime Dodgers fan, his wife, Toni, converted him to the Angels, and they often attended games together.
Al was never shy about expressing his opinion—loudly—particularly in matters of politics. He was well-known among friends and family for taking a contrary position and arguing it, often to the exasperation of his loved ones.
Al is survived by his wife, Toni; his son, Tim and daughter-in-law Greta; his daughter Nikki; and his four grandchildren: Nick, Alexa, Jack, and Tyler.
Memorial services will be held at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, CA 92223 on Saturday, January 26, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html).
Please forward to the New Jersey Herald in Newton, New Jersey.
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