Hermiston’s Alvin L. “Al” Sather, retired 1SG, United States Army, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2017 at the age of 82 at Lourdes Medical Center with his family by his side.
He was born on June 19, 1935 in Malta, Mont. to Alvin O. and Juanita Tatman Sather.
He was young when his family moved to Echo, where he was raised and attended school. He was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18. He met Joan Adkison, who was also in the Army and stationed in Japan. They were united in marriage on March 30, 1956 in Camp Zama, Japan. They had five children and lived all over the United States and Portugal during his 20 years in the Army. Al was deployed to Korea, Vietnam and Thailand and worked at the Pentagon during his military career.
He loved spending time with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed camping in the mountains and being in the outdoors. He also enjoyed carpentry. He loved hunting trips with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons, as well as John and Charlie Smith, whom he considered family. He spent a lot of time at yard sales and loved to get a good deal. He met many friends through the years and was always the highlight of the party, making everyone laugh.
He was a member of many organizations: life member of the National Rifle Association, Moose, Elks, American Legion, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Disabled American Veterans, and the Vietnam Veterans Association.
Al was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was a mentor to many. We will miss you and are very blessed to have this life with you. LOVE YOU FOREVER.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Sather; daughters, Jodi Desjardins (Robert), Kristi Bartley (Russ), Lauri Stubenrauch (Fritz), and Shari Humphrey (Alan); son, William Sather (Lori); sisters, Joyce Jones and Melinda Buwalda; grandchildren, Ryan (Angela), Matthew (Angela), Curtis (Nanci), Brooke (Travis), Mariah (Rick), Alan and Amanda; great grandchildren, Cayden, Alexia, Gavin, Asya, Addison, Macie, Camden, Cohen and Cleo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a sister.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
Please sign the online condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
