Arthur Leslie "Al" Board

Arthur Leslie "Al" Board

October 14, 1945 – January 11, 2026

In the early morning of January 11, 2026, Arthur Board, known as "Al" to many of his friends, passed away peacefully due to natural cause at his care home in Carmichael, California. He was 80 years old.

Al was born in Augusta Maine, on October 14, 1945, at Augusta General Hospital, to James Arthur Board and Priscilla (French) Board. They moved to California shortly thereafter, where he spent the majority of his life at their family home on Castec Drive, in Arden Park. He graduated from El Camino High School in 1964.

He married Jennifer Gorman in September of 1972. In December of the same year, he lost his younger sister Mary Ann in a tragic car accident, affecting everyone in the family deeply.

He later had two children, Sarah in 1973 and Thomas in 1976. He worked for many years at the Sierra Springs Water Company, during the 70's and early 80's and later worked in construction and roofing around the Sacramento area.

He and his wife separated in the mid-1980's, and he continued his education at Sacramento State University, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree in psychology. In his retirement, he volunteered as a tutor for students at the college, in mathematics.

He was known for his love of books, music, strong political views, and watching the 49ers play on Sundays. He enjoyed lifting weights, playing Sudoku and reporting the day-to-day activities of the doves living just outside his window at his Vintage Oaks apartment. He will live strongly in the memory of all who knew him, for a very long time.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah Melton, son-in-law Josef Melton, and their three children, as well as his son Thomas Board, daughter-in-law Maria Board, and their two children. brother James E. Board and his wife Carmen Board, and their two sons.

Al's parents met during World War II, with his father James serving in the Army, and his mother, Priscilla, a Nurse at a major military hospital. They married shortly after the war ended, and wasted no time on beginning their new family together. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Citrus Heights, California, buying a home on Castec Drive. His brother James E. Board (Jeb) and sister Mary Ann Board arrived later.

Al was a lover of many genres of music, particularly classic rock and jazz, and he played drums in a number of rock and jazz bands in the area. He married in his twenties, to Jennifer Gorman, and had two children, Sarah and Thomas. He worked a number of jobs through the years, including the Sierra Springs bottling plant in Sacramento, and installing roofing in various homes throughout the county. He earned a Master's Degree in Psychology, and tutored children and young students in mathematics later on in life.

He was an avid reader, being a lifelong student of science, philosophy, psychology and politics. His favorite movies were "Of Love and Death" by Woody Allen and "Bill and Teds Excellent Adventure", favorite snack was Almond Roca, and favorite hobbies were watching the 49ers play on Sundays, doing Sudoku puzzles, and working out at the local Golds gym (lifting weights for as long as they would let him).

A public Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Citrus Heights Community Center at 6300 Fountain Square Drive in Citrus Heights, California. All are welcome to come and share a story or fond memory at this time.