Albert Regis Shady

1920 - 2014

Albert Regis Shady
May 28, 1920 - August 6, 2014
A Resident of Santa Cruz
Albert Regis Shady, born May 28, 1920, left this life in the loving presence of his daughters, Marita Smith and Tricia Proffitt along with his son-in-law, Buel Proffitt. Together with the support of their siblings, they provided a calm, sweet space for Al to enter Eternal Life.
Al was a proud veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged a Lieutenant who served in the transportation corps. After his military service, he began a career as a certified safety engineer.
He met, married, and was preceded in death by, Mary Rita Callaghan, and together they raised seven children: Ray Shady (Gail) of Wyoming, Marita Smith (Alan) of Grass Valley, CA, Kathleen White (Terry) of Birmingham, AL, Jean Andrews (Jim) of Athens, OH, Midge Hill (Tait) of Huntington Beach, CA, Bill Shady (Beth) of Santa Cruz, CA and Tricia Proffitt (Buel) of Bonny Doon, CA. He is remembered and loved by grandchildren Russell Shady(Disa), Lea Shady, Gina Johnson (Ladd), Chris Turturici (Lisa), Steve White (Tracey), Jeff White (Angel), Patrick White (Kate), Ellie Andrews, Peter Andrews, Angela Hill, Ryan Hill, Daniel Shady, Andrew Shady, Claire Shady, Julia Powanda, Olivia Powanda, Christopher Proffitt and Mary Proffitt. He was the great-grandfather to Ethan Shady, Kevin and Jason Johnson, Olivia Turturici, Mia and Corey White, Mason Alexander, Luca and Ari White, and Sophie White. He was a special presence to his extended family, the Stuckey sisters, Lori, Sheri and Amy.
We wish to acknowledge Christopher Wolters, for his constancy, care and friendship to our dad over the last three years.
Al was a kind-hearted father who did his very best to support his children in their respective talents, sports and interests. From hot air ballooning, backpacking, dive, swim and gymnastic meets, baseball, softball, soccer and ultimate Frisbee games, he always did his best to be present at our events. He was an avid skier, skiing into his 80th season – teaching many of his children, sons-in-law and grandchildren to ski. He loved sailing – known to some as 'Motoring Al", you could find his boat, The Cordida, moored in Hurricane Bay on Lake Tahoe. He was incredibly handy and did just about any repair that needed doing. He was very proud of his children and the
success they have enjoyed. He was a Rumikub aficionado, not only teaching his children, a number of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but anyone passing by who showed an interest. He had a heart for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
He was a fiercely independent man, who we will remember as a kind, loyal and gentle soul. Our memories are plentiful for the man we call Dad/PopPop. His legacy is our joy in celebrating his life.
A funeral Mass will be said for Al at Star of the Sea Catholic Community, on Friday, August, 29, 2014 at 4 pm. Reception to follow. Donations may be made in Al's name to Hospice of Santa Cruz or St Jude's Children's Hospital. If you would like to send your condolences to Albert's family, share memories, view or post photos or light a candle, please visit www.scmemorial.com