Al Tan's Obituary
Al Tan, 58, passed away peacefully at home in Oakland, California on November 17, 2018 following health complications. Known by many as Big Al or Big Boy by his family, Al had a heart full of gold for his family. Al was born on October 4, 1960 in Oakland, California, attended St. Augustine Elementary School and graduated from St. Mary’s College High School in 1978. At St. Mary’s, Al was a stand out athlete playing on the football and baseball teams. His Panther pride continued well beyond graduation and he recently attended his 40-year high school reunion with his fellow Panther brothers. Al attended Laney College and played on the Eagles football team.
An avid sports fan, Al was a loyal fan of the Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders and his beloved, all-time favorite football team, the USC Trojans. He loved to tailgate and to bring his family together to attend A’s games (even during the lean years!). Al’s primary occupation during his adult years was as a route sales truck driver having worked for Coca Cola, Haagen Daaz and Niman Ranch to name a few. His most memorable work experience by far, would be the time he spent with the crew at the Payless #4300 Rockridge store back in the day.
Al is survived by his father, Augusto Tan Jr., mother, Priscilla J. Tan (preceded in death), sister, Lorraine (Chuck), brother, Ed (Seneca) and his beloved niece, Malia O’Brien (young sis-sis) and nephew, Michael O’Brien (buddies for life). We will miss his big smile, generous heart and his presence deeply but vow to always accept people where they’re at and live life to the fullest just as Big Boy did.
Services for Al are as follows: Viewing/Quiet Hour at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland – 4499 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland on Friday, November 30th from 5pm – 9pm, Rosary at 7pm. Anyone in attendance is invited to share a thought or kind word at this time. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, December 1st, at 10:30am at St.Augustine’s Church, 400 Alcatraz Avenue in Oakland Ca. Repast to follow.
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