Albert Eskenazi

Albert ESKENAZI Our community lost a man of compassion, strength and humor with Wednesday’s passing of Albert Eskenazi. Al was a product of his upbringing, growing up in the Depression to Sephardic immigrant parents from Turkey. Sam and Leah taught their five children that family came first and that those relationships more than made up for whatever they lacked in means. Al worked hard as a commission-only salesman of typewriters and calculators. He often would say he wished he had a million dollars - not for himself, but rather to give to those he met along the way who seemed overdue for a break. He never forgot the financial struggles of his parents and it pained him to see hard-working people in similar straits. Al’s greatest joy was his family - blood and extended. He loved spending time with his three sisters and brother, and their spouses and children, particularly on Sunday evenings when the family got together for "Group" - a low-key yet often loud gathering that featured food, gossip, poker (for the men), Mah Jongg (for the women) and mischief (for the kids). Al lost his wife to cancer when their two children, Lisa and Stuart, were very young, and he raised them as a single parent. A proud and private man, he accepted love and assistance from family and friends while always being the pillar of strength in the house. Al also enjoyed making people laugh. He drew cartoons for kids just to see their faces light up. He kidded and cajoled - even when deteriorating health could have sorely tested his good humor. Al shared his heart over the past 32 years with Arline Daniel, who herself showed tremendous compassion, strength and humor during some trying times as Al’s health failed. Lisa, Stuart and Arline pay special tribute to Dr. Sam Taagen, a young physician who follows the old-fashioned ways by taking time to truly get to know his patients. His care, and caring, provided extra years for Al to get to know his grandchildren, Alexis and Sam, and for them to get to know their "Popoo." Al was 85. He is survived by Lisa Eskenazi-Rindler of Sammamish, Stuart Eskenazi of Seattle, son-in-law, Brian Rindler, grandchildren, Alexis and Sam Rindler, sister, Rae Cohen of Seattle, brother, Joe Eskenazi of Seattle, Arline Daniel of Seattle and her family, in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends and those hard-working people in our community who simply need a break. Al would say, "Don’t forget them". Services were Friday. Memorials to Seattle Sephardic Brotherhood, PO Box 80685, Seattle 98108, or another worthwhile community charity - or just pay someone an unexpected compliment today.