Al E. Smith (Big Al) passed away peacefully with his wife and family beside him on May 22, 2016 at Harrison Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. He was born on July 25, 1936 to Albert and Gladys Smith in Bismark, North Dakota. He attended Bremerton High School (Class of '54) and graduated from the University of Washington ('58) and Indiana University ('69).
Big Al retired from Bremerton High School in 1997 after 39 years as a teacher. He is best known as a pioneer in the field of athletic training and for his amusing, anecdotal stories and sharp wit. He expressed many times that teaching was not a job but a passion and lifelong career. The most important things to Al were "his bride" of almost 60 years, his grandchildren and their dogs. Big Al touched many lives and we invite and encourage you to share your memories of him by emailing MemoriesOfBigAl(at)gmail.com or joining Facebook.com/groups/BigAlMemories.
Al was preceded in death by his parents; his sister; and his son, Denny Smith. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Darren and daughter-in-law, Vivienne; and grandchildren, Andrea, JessAnn, Taylour, and Ryan.
