Alfred L. "Al" Svinth

Alfred Svinth
July 13, 1940 - September 1, 2023
Graham, Washington - Alfred passed away unexpectedly at the age of 83 on September 1, 2023 while salmon fishing from his boat on Puget Sound.
He was born July 13, 1940 in Tacoma, Wa and is preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Lillian Svinth and sisters Shirley Huff and Sandra Lodge.
Al attended Franklin Pierce High School in Tacoma and after graduating in 1958 spent six months on active duty with the Coast Guard Reserve. He then enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University where he received his BA in Elementary Education and played football.
Al taught school in Tacoma for ten years while earning his Masters degree and administrative credentials. For the next twenty two years he acted as building administrator (fancy word for principal) at several elementary schools within the Tacoma School District.
Al had the opportunity to teach classes for University of Washington, Tacoma and after retiring in 1995 went on to supervise student teachers from Washington State University and provide staff development and mentoring for the Tacoma School District.
Al was an avid outdoorsman, and when he wasn't stalking bucks and bulls in the high country or playing pinks, silvers and kings in Puget Sound, you could find him out in the field tending to his cattle, riding horses, camping, telling stories, (many, many stories) enjoying football and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was also a proud descendant of the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
Al is survived by his wife, Barbara married 39 years; their three children, Kevin Svinth, Vaughn; Julie Madden, Vaughn; Nicole (Brent) Twaddle, Roy and brother Peter Svinth, Nisqually. He is also blessed with six grandchildren; Cole (Celina) Madden, Aaron Madden, Natalie Svinth, Rachel Svinth, Rylee Twaddle, Macy Twaddle and one great-granddaughter, Elsie Marie Madden. He adored his nieces and nephews and had countless friends, near and far.
Al's family meant everything to him, and while we are devastated by his sudden passing, we find comfort knowing that he died doing what he loved, with a pole in his hand, and a fish in the net. Al will be greatly missed.
The family will hold a private graveside service and a memorial has been planned for Al at Bethany Lutheran Church on Friday, September 22, at 1:00pm. 26418 Mountain Highway East, Spanaway, WA 98387