SCCA Friends

As all of our members know, Al was the resident historian of our organization, so turn about is fair play. This page is open for members of the Southern California Contractors Association to tell us their "Al Stories" or add their condolences. Please click here to send us an email with your contribution.

This photo came from Al's 90th birthday party at the Dal Rea Restaurant, in the room where SCCA held its first meeting. Gathered to enjoy the celebration were many SCCA past presidents. Pictured from left: (back row) John Clarke, Greg Dineen, Jim Sprinkle, George Cooke, Don McCoy, Greg Erickson, Les Farrow, Stan Howard and Doug Burhoe. (front row) Virginia Atwood, Len Brutocao, Al Atwood, Ed Kalish and Jim Gasparo.

The following comments have come in since Al's passing and we have organized them in the order they have been received. To add to this "living history of remembrance," click here to send us an email.

It never would have survived without Al. When we formed the Association in1974 he was the driving force that kept up the moral and the camaraderie.

He was a unique type of man of which there is no mold. He spoke few words but when he spoke everyone listened. No one was more dedicated to the members, the association and the industry.

Al was an individual that no one could ever get upset with. He was loyal, honest, truthful and above all a true friend to everyone. We will miss Al and his great leadership his great smile but we will never forget Al.

May God bless Virginia and his family and may Al rest in peace in heaven. I count my association with Al as one of the great Blessings God has given me.

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In those early years when my partner introduced me to the SCCA (30 years ago now) Al was always there to introduce me around and always reminded me that any good organization is only as good as it members and only as good as their involvement in that organization. I never forgot that and have tried to stay involved and active these many years. I’ll miss him.

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I have many fond memories of Al. He was one in many billions. He made a difference to many, related to the construction industry and many more in SCCA.

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I was saddened when I opened my mail this morning for in it was the note of the passing of Al.

I have been out of direct contact with the SCCA since my retirement, but have continued to receive all of the association's mailings and have been in contact with Jim and Jere periodically, so have stayed on top of the happenings in the industry as well as Al's continued involvement and influence in association matters. I have always admired Al for his forthrightness and humble manner. Al will be missed by many in the construction industry.

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We were very saddened to hear of Al's passing. He was the backbone of the SCCA for so long and will be greatly missed by all. If donations can be made in his memory and honor to any charitable organizations, please let us know.

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When I think of SCCA, Al Atwood always comes to mind. It was Al who got me involved in SCCA and persuaded me as only Al could to become involved by being chairman of the safety committee and then to become an officer. He could be very persuasive, always with a twinkle in his eye. Al’s influence was the reason the annual safety awards were started in 1996, and we established the Albert H. Atwood Award to be given to an individual or company that distinguished itself in safety and accident prevention.

Al, right up until his passing always stayed in touch through email. His email name was Sccaal and I think the name shows why SCCA and Al were always associated with each other. You couldn’t help think of one without the other.

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I could write volumes about Al and what he meant to me and SCCA, because Al is why I am in L. A. trying to carry on his legacy. It’s impossible to improve on the job that Al did, so, when issues came up, I'd listen to Al. When I didn't I'd probably get in trouble.

I've never met a person so dedicated to his family, what he did and to SCCA. It's still amazes me. I once told a gathering of our past presidents the smartest thing they ever did was keep Al in the game. As late as last Friday, we visited him and he was reviewing the photos from our luau.

Saying I will miss him just doesn't seem to explain how I feel. Al always was and always will be a guiding light and influence at SCCA. Someone was kidding early in my tenure and called me, "an Al clone." While it might not be perfectly accurate, I still regard that as the biggest compliment I ever received at SCCA.

Al was my friend, my mentor and one of the people I most respect and admire in my entire life. He'll still be looking over me.

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How many years do we go back?. To the EGCA ,when we traveled together to the North and finally decided we had to start again on our own. To the first organizing meeting at Dal Rae ,where we said "lets go." To the wonderful pictures he always sent me that usually took me by surprise.

To his great advice and friendship when I was president. To always sending me good wishes on my birthday and in later years sending me e-mails. Al Atwood was more than a business associate. He was a friend, a confidant and a good cool head when needed. I will miss him . May he have the Lord's Blessing and rest in peace.

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Al was a very special human being and his contribution to SCCA and our industry can only be described as huge. There aren’t many members that at one time or another that he did not help procure a different classification contractor license.

My relationship with Al dates back to EGCA days late 60’s.. He had a unique style of managing our association; he knew that the member's active participation was essential to its success. While he was a person who spoke with conviction, in his management style you very seldom heard his opinions unless it was extremely important.

Lois and I spent some vacation time with Al and Virginia and many of us remember the great times we had together at the Pala Mesa golf tournament and in his hospitality room.

My friend was very vain about his age. Most of us remember Charlie Poss announcing how old Al was at a meeting regarding that year's birthday...needless to say it was not well received by him.

Al was a great friend and he will be sorely missed by all.

Ed & Lois Kalish

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Al is one of those guys that are looking out for everyone. I recall when Ken Ross from Johnson Tractor died and it wasn’t long after I received a letter from Al. I was wondering what was Al up to and I opened the envelope. Al remembered that Ken and I were good friends and enclosed was a picture of Ken and myself at a membership meeting.

As I said at Al’s 90^th birthday at the Del Rae, Al is an icon in the industry. He will be missed by all that were fortunate to have known him. We need to keep Virginia and the family in our prayers.

Remember, He is still looking over the SCCA.

Greg Dineen

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Al was a wonderful man. He was always interested in what you were doing and his truly self sacrificing nature will be missed. Thankfully, he had a long and productive time with us and for that we should all count our blessings.

Mike Tudor

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