Al Fahey, a long-time resident of Oakdale, passed away Monday, April 10 at age 96. Al was the grandson of California pioneers, immigrants from Ireland, who worked in the gold fields surrounding Sonora. The family was among the original ranchers in Tuolumne County and later relocated to Oakdale. Being in a ranching family, Al said he grew up on the back of a horse.
Al graduated from UC Berkeley during World War II and attended naval officer training after graduation. He served in the Pacific theatre. After the war, Al worked for Chevron Corporation before returning to UC Berkeley to complete a teaching credential. At UC Berkeley, he met and married Catherine Working. Together they returned to Oakdale where Al taught at Oakdale High School for 30 years.
Al is survived by Catherine, wife of 67 years, and five children, Anne Orlando (Roy), Mary Town (Randy), William Fahey (Nina), James Fahey (Susy) and Elizabeth Conlin (Albert), and by 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Al is survived by sister Evelyn Clipper and was preceded in death by parents William and Lily Fahey, brothers Robert, George, and David.
Al will be dearly missed by his family for his lifelong kindness, patience, and generosity. He was proud of his pioneer family and delighted in sharing family stories and history. After retiring from teaching, Al concentrated on restoring a century old house. He became an avid skier in college and loved the Sierra Nevada Mountains, especially the family cabin at Fahey Meadows. Al calmly presided over countless bustling, noisy family meals, enlivened by children from multiple generations. His great grandchildren never failed to bring a smile to his face. Al loved life and family to the end and was always ready for any new adventure that life might present.
In place of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Honor Flight Bay Area, 809 Laurel St. #53, San Carlos, CA 94070. Honor Flight sponsors and transports the nation’s most senior veterans to Washington D.C. to visit their war memorials.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
April 19, 2017