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Al Greenleaf Obituary

Al Greenleaf

November 23, 1926 - March 1, 2015

Al Greenleaf passed away peacefully at home of cardiac arrest. He had been receiving treatment for throat cancer. Al was born in Los Angeles, CA and grew up in Inglewood, CA. He graduated from Inglewood High School in 1944, earned his BA at Pepperdine in 1949 and his MA from USC in 1953. Al served in the Navy during WWII as a coxswain aboard the USS Algorab in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign.
Al was known to everyone as COACH, a tribute to his life's work which started while he was earning his teaching credential. Al worked for the Inglewood Recreation Department and coached a Kiwanis softball team that never lost a game. Al was honored with a Lifetime Membership in the Kiwanis Club and lifetime friendships. Al focused on the basics, knew the strategy, and had that magic which brought teams together. Al met Norma, his best friend, golfing partner and wife in Lompoc where he had secured his first teaching position. They married and moved back to the South Bay where Al accepted a position at Morningside High School. Al was the first Baseball and Basketball Coach at Morningside High School and was a sponsor for the golf team. He led the 1955 Basketball team to its first CIF Championship and was instrumental in starting the athletic program.
Al moved on to a position at El Camino College where he was an Instructor, Summer Recreation Supervisor, Golf Coach, and Athletic Director. He coached 3 State Championship Warrior Golf Teams, including the 1963 team which secured the first ever State Championship for the school. Through 1978 Al also led the golf team to 3 Southern California Championships, 14 Metro Conference Dual Meet Championships and 10 Metro Conference Medal Championships. Three years his teams were undefeated, and they never had a losing season. Al belonged to Palos Verdes CC for over 50 years and to Mission Hills CC for over 10 years. He enjoyed playing in tournaments and all of the wonderful friendships. He loved to travel and spent time playing golf in the British Isles and across the US. He also enjoyed spending time with his family - attending the kids baseball games, swim meets, basketball games, football games, wrestling matches, karate competitions, track meets, soccer tournaments, volleyball games.... as well as the occasional musical, piano or dance recital and miniature golf match. Al was a proud member of the following organizations: Chula Vista Presbyterian Church, VFW, American Legion, YMCA and a Life Member of the NRA.
Al was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Alexander and Gladys Brown Greenleaf. Al is survived by his wife of 64 years, Norma; children, Kerri and Mark Crampton, Kristie Greenleaf, Kathi and Jim Ruziecki, Ken and Lisa Greenleaf; grandchildren, Jenni and Clint Munroe, Shane Bakke, Sean Crampton, Sarah Crampton, Paul Crampton, Jane Witzenburg, Rachel Greenleaf, Jeff and Martina Ruziecki, Brian and Brittney Ruziecki, Eric and Gianine Ruziecki, Kristin and Jeff Yeager, Erin Dowell; great-grandchildren, Damon, Colby, Emma R, William, Addison, Kendall, Zachary, Austin, and Emma D.; his sister, Virginia Jenkins; his brother-in-law, Ed Sperber; nephews and niece; cousins and countless former students. He will be missed.
To honor Al, donations may be made to Chula Vista Presbyterian Church or your favorite charity. MEMORIAL SERVICES:
March 22, 2015 at 2:00pm, Palos Verdes Country Club,
3301 Via Campesina Palos Verdes Est., CA 90274
April 12, 2015 at 11:30 am, Chula Vista Presbyterian Church, 940 Hilltop Dr. Chula Vista, CA 91911.

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Published by Daily Breeze on Mar. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Ronald & Linda Fox

April 12, 2015

Norma and Family. It was sad to read of Al's passing in the MHS Lion's Roar... My family and I wish to express our sincere feelings of sorrow to you all. My Mother, Ruby, who is 92, and doing well, also want add her thoughts and prayers for you all. Al was a long time friend of the family going back to Inglewood High when my father Bob played sports with him (he has been gone since 1998) I enjoyed working with him at El Camino from 1971-73. As the Asst. Athletic trainer, we interacted a lot. So on behalf of my family, I can only say till we meet again. Bless you all.

Liz Garnier

March 22, 2015

Oh Ken and family just found out about your father. So sorry to hear this. Kenny, You were always a great fellow student all those years in Redondo and a true testament to his role as your father. God bless.

Vic Bulaich

March 21, 2015

" I don't want to see a player that's not on their
toes ." Al's message to his players in basketball
practice at Morningside. Didn't know he was a
golfer/coach until went to El Camino. The
CIF Champ game was at Loyola vs Beverly Hills, knew Dan Barry et al on team

Norm Morrow

March 20, 2015

Dear Mrs. Norma Greenleaf: I was sadden to learn of Al's passing. As a young person meeting the all the coaches at El Camino, I found Mr.Greenleaf to be a very special person who cared so much for others welfare. I have a special place in my heart for him and hope you and your family will live with his wonderful memories.

Sincerely, Norm Morrow (John Morrow's son).

March 18, 2015

We have many fond memories of growing up next door to the Greenleaf's on Avenue E. The Rooney family sends their regrets and prayers.
God bless you during your time of sorrow.

Patty, Kathleen and Kevin

Jon Fowler

March 16, 2015

To the entire Greenleaf Famiily, I'am so very sorry for your loss. Coach was a great teacher and coach. I so enjoyed all the classes at El Camino with him as my teacher and mentor. I'am so glad I had the chance to visit with him last year at a RUHS play production. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Jon Fowler

chuck and carolyn turek

March 15, 2015

great guy,wonderful family. love and prayers

Ray Del-Francia

March 15, 2015

My condolences to Norma and family! Al was my golf coach at El Camino and was an inspiration to all of us. He always had a smile and loved what he did! Wonderful man, respectful leader and a great golfer! RIP

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Memorial Events
for Al Greenleaf

Mar

22

Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Palos Verdes Country Club

3301 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Est, CA

Apr

12

Memorial service

11:30 a.m.

Chula Vista Presbyterian Church

940 Hilltop Dr., Chula Vista, CA

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