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Al McCandless Obituary
Al McCandless, long-time Indio businessman, former U.S. Congress- man, and community leader died August 9, 2017, at his La Quinta home. Al was born in Brawley, CA, July 23, 1927, to Max and Fleta McCandless. He attended Los Angeles City schools before joining the United States Marine Corps and deploying to Japan in 1945. Al graduated with a BA from UCLA then re-entered the Marines, graduated from the Naval Air Intelligence School, then continued service during the Korean Conflict. Al continued in the Marine Reserves through 1961, leaving the Corp as a Captain. Al and his father established McCandless Motors in Indio in 1953. Al's commitment to public service began when he joined Rotary International as a young businessman. In 1972, he was elected to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. During his Board of Supervisors tenure he also sat on the Riverside County Housing Authority, helped found and lead the South Coast Air Quality Management District and the Coachella Valley's Sunline Transit Agency. Governor Ronald Reagan called upon Al to serve on numerous statewide initiatives including Welfare Reform and the Commission of the Californias. In 1982, Al was elected as the 37th District's Representative to the U.S. Congress and served in Congress for the next twelve years. When Al retired from Congress, he became an active volunteer leader in Building Horizons, The Boys and Girls Club and the College of the Desert's Citizen's Oversight Committee. Al is survived by his children, Cristina and Al. Graveside service is on Monday, August 14, 2pm, at Coachella Valley Public Cemetery, 51990 Jackson Street. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place at a future date.
Memories and Condolences
for Al McCandless
12 Entries
August 23, 2017
The finest man in the Valley. He will be missed. Les Nelson
Amy Blaisdell
August 18, 2017
I met Congressman McCandless many times growing up in the Coachella Valley and my parents respected him tremendously. He was a very kind man who cared deeply about our community and he had a terrific sense of humor. They don't make many politicians like Al McCandless anymore. Deepest condolences to his family. He was a true leader and gentleman. May he rest in peace.
August 16, 2017
I was a second grader and received a school award with Congressman Mc Candless's name signed at the bottom.
That inspired me to find out who he was and eventually become interested in politics.
Thank you for your service sir.
E I
August 15, 2017
I will miss him he taught me so much as a mentor in the building horizons program. May he Rest In Peace
August 15, 2017
My deepest condolences to the McCandless family. Al was a good man and one that I truly respected for his hard work and dedication to good government and mentorship.
I had the good fortune of working for Al in my first job out of Cal Poly as a Congressional Intern and later at his district office in Palm Desert. During my time working with him and his staff I was able to learn how to better serve the people in the Coachella Valley as their voice in the Nation's capitol.
Al you will be missed, yet your contributions to the betterment of the Coachella Valley will not be forgotten.
Deepest sympathies,
Alfred Ortiz
Joe Roberson
August 14, 2017
I will miss you, Al. There just are not many of us old woodworkers left. God bless you.
Elizabeth Anne Hin
August 13, 2017
My prayers and wishes beside Cristina, Rocky, and your families. I loved your Father and am aware of his deep committed service, as Congressman for over a decade, to his nation and world, hoping to embody and aspire for all people. From and his mother's memories of his childhood, home, school and experiences in the Anza Borrego Desert to his journeys and work nationally and internationally while serving in Congress, to his quiet private love for his family which I knew deeply during his courtship of and marriage to Gail W. Glass over many years, touched my life and continues to influence the depth and meaning of my own life and work in education and service every day. May your father rest in the very peace of God.
August 13, 2017
To a caring & stalwart man, may you rest in peace. Thank you for the many years of close friendship
to my father.
Anonymously, JL
Marilynn Smith
August 12, 2017
Al McCandless was a very good man, as anyone can see from his obituary. He truly served his country and his community in a wide variety of ways. Thanks to the whole McCandless family for sharing him with the rest of us.
Indio Native
Lucy Diaz
August 12, 2017
Thanks Mr McCandless you will be remembered as a leader in our community .
Sal Pina
August 12, 2017
A very good man, RIP
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
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Memorial Events
for Al McCandless
Aug
14
Graveside service
2:00 p.m.
Coachella Valley Public Cemetery
51990 Jackson Street, CA
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