Al was born in Greeley, CO in 1940. He was the youngest of 8 children, with 6 older sisters: Arlene, Dorothy, Elsie, Ruth, Evelyn & Mary Ann and older brother Bob. The family moved to Westminster, CO in 1943. They lived in a 4 room house at 84th & Federal with NO running water, indoor plumbing, or a modern furnace. The 8 kids slept in 2 sets of bunk beds, two to each bed. He was in the order of DeMolay & graduated from Westminster H.S. in 1959. After serving in the Army National Guard during the Berlin conflict, Al's first job was with American Beauty Pasta in Denver selling spaghetti and other related products. He lived in Westminster at 75th & Osceola St. with first wife Gail for their marriage and birth of their son JR in 1961, and also later at 2814 W. Ellsworth in Denver. Al stayed in the same area during his marriages to Teresa & Peggy. He loved Photography, Eagles & Flags. In the 1990s, Al moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas with business partner Don Hamilton to start Good Old Boys Janitorial Services. After moving back to Loveland, CO in 2000s, Al was active with Celebration Congregation Messianic Jewish Church and was often the first to show up at Saturday services. He worked at University of Northern Colorado (UNC) as a night shift janitor right up to his passing. His best friend and co-worker Jerry Martinez said: "With Al, there was always prayer, chili, popcorn and laughter! & he always wore shorts—even in the snow!" He loved hot spicy food - and added more spice, often bringing his own hot peppers! Al was famous/infamous for his ornery bean/spit-wad throwing at family Christmas Bingos or Cousins Dinners & Reunions. He knew the secret to preparing the Briggs family 'Peanut Brittle' and still had Grandpa Briggs' recipe. Al is survived by son Jesse Ralph (JR), who changed his name to Richard Lee Dragon in his 20s, and granddaughter Crystal Metzgar (spouse: Nate Metzgar), who all reside in Texas.
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