Allison “Al” Caldwell, 78

Allison I. Caldwell, known to all as “Al”, born January 6, 1935 to Eric Allison Caldwell and Violet Irving Caldwell, passed into peace on September 28, 2013 after bravely fighting Alzheimer’s for 7 years. Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, his mother riding to the provincial hospital in a horse-drawn sleigh, Al became anaturalized US citizen in 1961. He moved with his parents and sister, Una, to Lexington, Massachusetts in 1949. He graduated from Lexington High School, home of the Minutemen, in 1953. He had a successful and exciting career in the lumber business beginning at ABC Lumber in Massachusetts and, including time with Masonite, Preston Lumber, Louisiana Pacific, and, finally, his own brokerage for sawdust and shavings, AC Wood Products, all in the Santa Rosa, California area. He loved the redwood lumber business for the majesty of the trees, the many lifetime friends he made, and because he found his wife, Barbara, through this business. After retirement, he and his wife moved to the Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho area where they learned once again why they left the northeast. Never having pets as a child, later in his adult life, Al became a devoted caretaker and friend to his series of cats: Spunky, ET, Babykins, Pookie, and is survived by his two best friends, Lash La Rue and Red Rider, named for his favorite 1940’s matinee cowboy stars. Al is survived by his wife, Barbara, of 32 years; daughters, Lisa Norberg, Staci McCowen (Wade), Deanna Caldwell, Vickie Fogleman (Aaron); son, Eric Caldwell (Melissa); stepson, Thomas Nolan; sister, Una Kaveski; aunt, Elaine Sanford; grandchildren, Brandon Norberg, Ernie Cortez, Shane McCowen, Isabella Fogleman, Angela, Izak, Rhiley, and Kaleigh Caldwell; niece, Sharon Kiel (Marty); and numerous other nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren, all of whom adored him. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Al’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.