May 12, 1932—October 7, 2012
Born in Seattle, Washington to Louie and Ada Sanft on May 12, 1932. Al passed away on October 7, 2012 in Seattle after a four-year battle with Amyloid heart disease. Al was a loving man who cared deeply for his family and his friends.
Al attended Garfield High School, graduating in 1950. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy in Korea and Japan as an officer on the USS Dixie.
Al worked in his family business, Seattle Barrel and Cooperage, a company that his father founded in 1916. For 60 years he had made it into a thriving business, expanding its operations from Washington and Oregon to Alaska and all over the Northwestern U.S., and Canada. As well, Al had a successful real estate company, A&B Properties, developing properties around the region. His children continue managing these businesses.
Al married the love of his life, Ruth Marie Buske, on August 14, 1959. They were inseparable. Al and Ruth raised four loving children; and later had five grandchildren who adored them. Al and Ruth built an extraordinary life together. They enjoyed traveling with friends all over the world, fishing in Westport, and going to Hawaii with their entire family every year. He went on an annual trip to Las Vegas for his birthday with friends every May. Al and Ruth were lucky enough to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2009.
Al’s favorite pastime was to go fishing whenever he could, especially in Westport, Washington, (the salmon capital of the world). He fished often, mainly with his brother and his children, and an endless number of friends that would dare to ride the rough waters.
In 1982, Al and Ruth built their dream home in Westport, right on the beach. He loved fishing on his private boat Barrels, and owned a charter fishing boat named Firecracker that was well known in Westport. Al and Ruth hosted a family reunion every July 4th, with fireworks and fun on the beach that everyone looked forward to.
Al’s other hobbies included making kosher dill pickles. He and Ruth were famous for their smoked salmon. Al loved all sports including the Huskies, the Cougars, Seahawks, Sonics, and the Mariners. He attended games right till the end, including the infamous Seahawks Monday night football game against the Packers.
Al had a giant heart. He was tall, dark, and handsome; had a twinkle in his eyes; and was tan at most times. Most people called him “Big Al.” He loved Elvis, dancing, his Cadillacs, and especially he loved spending time with all his special friends and relatives.
Al was a proud member of the Masonic temple, a 32nd-degree Mason, a member of the Nile Shrine temple, and member of the Elks, all for 50 years. He was a longtime member of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and the Reusable Industrial Packaging Association, RIPA. Al’s family co-founded the Machzikay Hadath synagogue in Seattle, and was a founding member of Herzl-Ner Tamid.
Al’s family meant everything. Family was always first and foremost. Al’s death was preceded by the passing of Ruth in January 2010. He leaves behind four children: Nettie (Mark) Cohodas, Barrie (Richard) Galanti, Brina Sanft, and Louie Sanft. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Samantha and Ben Cohodas, and Sam, Oliver, and Rachel Galanti.
His funeral service took place on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at Herzl-Ner Tamid synagogue on Mercer Island. Burial followed at Bikur Cholim cemetery in Seattle.
Donations in his name can be made to Jewish Family Service, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or Herzl-Ner Tamid synagogue.
Al Sanft
