William Al Mcintosh

Life Sketch AL McIntosh - husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, physical therapist, gracious friend and devoted servant of God - was born October 16, 1920 in Happy Grove area of Portland, Jamaica. His older brother Edson McIntosh and younger sister Grace Gibbs are deceased and survived by older sister Swiftley Gonzalez who resides in Nashville, TN. His father was William James McIntosh and adored mother was Genevieve Duhaney. Genevieve Duhaney primarily raised the children with the help of surrounding family. The childhood days were difficult with little money and everyone in the family pitched in and worked hard. The children were shocked by unexpected death of their loving mother when Al was in his late teens and by death of their other brother Wesley in his early 20s in Jamaica. Uncle Will Duhaney brother to Genevieve aided and propelled the children after Genevieves death. There was also the unforgettable “Teacher Percy” who saw immense promise in Al and insured he received an education like many others in Happy Grove. The oldest brother Edson sacrificed his education to insure his siblings survived and achieved. He helped pave the road for his siblings to leave Jamaica and come to the United States for an education. Al came to the United States in his 20s initially to Lincoln College in Nebraska then after surviving a freezing winter transferred to Pacific Union College then to Loma Linda University completing a B.S. in Physical Therapy. He returned to Jamaica as physical therapist and worked at Andrews Memorial Hospital where he met Yvonne who was completing RN training. She was a natural beauty and was proud of weighing only 99 pounds on entering nursing school. This is where the love story of Al and Yvonne McIntosh begins, it was love at first sight. He courted Yvonne and at that time rode a motorcycle to the dismay and concern of the hospital staff who had forbidden Yvonne from riding the motorcycle. Yvonne of course thought this was foolish to forbid her from going out with Al since his transportation was a motorcycle and not a car. Yvonne would sneak off from the hospital and ride out with Al during their courtship. Al and Yvonne fell in love and became engaged. Al returned to the United States to work as a physical therapist for Hinsdale hospital after being called by the Ketterings during the polio epidemic. He came home to Jamaica for a long weekend in November of 1952 and the two were hurriedly married. Friends and loved ones including Dr. Lloyd Dayes attended the ceremony. Yvonne was not able to gain entrance to the United States until next spring. They both worked at Hinsdale Adventist Hospital in Illinois until 1958. Al was not a fan of the bitter cold in this Chicago suburb and insisted they relocate to a warmer climate and that is what brought them to California. Al became the head physical therapist for Los Angeles County and Yvonne worked in nursing at White Memorial Hospital. They eventually settled down in Westminster and were faithful to the Garden Grove Church. During this time Michael(1961) and Angela(1965) were born. In 1971, the family relocated to Quartz Hill (Lancaster area) as Al transferred to a large Los Angeles County hospital in this vicinity and worked as Head physical therapist. He worked as the physical therapist on Evil Knievel during this stent in Lancaster. He also enjoyed viewing the challenger take off at Edwards Air Force Base during the Lancaster years. Al was an avid news, politics and sports fan. He enjoyed the Lakers, Dodgers and variety of sports. Both Mike and dad spent time watching many games together. Al only allowed news, politics, sports and religious television in the home and some years there was no television at home. Yvonne worked in intensive care nursing and saved many a patient during this early time of cardiac monitoring. Yvonne and Al were devoted to their work, community and Lancaster Adventist Church. Al completed 25 years of work for Los Angeles County in 1978 and this completed his first of many retirements. In 1978, the family moved to Riverside and Yvonne began with seizures which she endured with dignity and grace. She was not able to return to nursing but maintained devotion to her family and multiple friends. Al worked for Corona Regional Hospital as a physical therapist for 10 years then retired again. Al then worked for Rohr industries for another 10 years and retired but still did some intermittent fill in physical therapy work until the age of 88. Yvonne loved to cook and both Al and Yvonne regularly invited people over to enjoy flavorful food, fellowship, laughing and picking fruit at their Mobley home. Many remember Al loved taking photos at every event wearing his camera proudly. He also collected stamps and enjoyed spending time with animals in particular his many beloved dogs. Both Al and Yvonne were active members of the La Sierra University Church since 1978. The children completed high school at La Sierra Academy and Michael married Lucy Alvites a pharmacist later divorcing. Angela completed medicine from Loma Linda University and married Darryl Martin (Jalani Bakari) who have three children - Akilah, Malik and Dikymbe. These children were loved by both Al and Yvonne who dedicated so much time to their development in their preschool years. They were able to attend the preschool next door to their Mobley home and spend most afternoons reading, napping and picking fruit in the backyard. They loved eating oatmeal and fruit in the mornings prior to starting their day at Cottonwood Montessori preschool. All of the grandchildren were early readers laying that important educational foundation which is directly attributed to the investment of their grandparents. Al and Yvonne took many into their home during the years and Al had a fatherly influence on countless individuals who learned from his high moral standards, Christian values, strong work ethic, and healthy lifestyle and being a dedicated provider for his home and countless others he helped along the way. The notables who lived in their home in the later years are Luhidis also Hyacinth and son James. There are many families that spent much time with them during the years including the: McKenzie, Gonzalez, Gibbs, Duhaney, Fletcher, Gallimore, Thorpe, Peters, Dayes, Barker, Mitchell, Channer, Holgate, Boyd, Goulbourne, Daly, Heczko, Henry and Turk families in addition to his large Northern Caribbean alumni family and so many others that this writer has forgotten to name. All were special to Al and the family. Als life changed forever once Yvonne passed in July of 2011. Al lived with his daughter and family for several years dealing with the teenage years of the grandchildren and enjoyed attending their basketball games. He was a proud supporter sitting in the first row asking the score every few minutes as his vision was challenged and did not want to miss the ups and downs of the game. He then moved to Linda Valley Villa and met some wonderful friends who showered him with love and fellowship. Mike was a steadfast companion to dad after moms death transporting dad around to many places. Al was so proud of his grandchildren with Malik attending UCLA, Akilah completing her BA degree from UC Riverside and Dikymbe graduating North high school in June of 2016. Als life speaks volumes to the importance of healthy eating and devotion to God. He had a healthy 95 years until being diagnosed with cancer of the spine in April of 2016 and lost his battle with illness on July 8, 2016. His sister Swiftley at 98 years old amazingly came to visit Al for a week in May of 2016 and enjoyed spending those days with him talking about their younger years in Jamaica. Al was able to reflect on stories and memories in Jamaica vividly. Despite his illness he remained so grateful to others and appreciative of the care he received. The staff at the Linda Valley Villa facility provided superior care and love and are commended for their commitment that goes well beyond defined care parameters. The VITAS hospice team in particular home aide Lily provided dad such tender loving care and was truly an angel in his time of need. Al is at rest and eagerly awaiting the coming of Christ to reunite with his sweet Von, family and friends in heaven. He would want all of us to keep the faith and meet him in heaven. Family for Al McIntosh: Son, Michael McIntosh Daughter, Angela McIntosh- Martin, husband Jalani Bakari, children Akilah, Malik and Dikymbe Martin Sister, Swiftley Gonzalez and sons Roger, Joseph, Carlo and Orlando, grandchildren Anne Marie, Rachel, Chris and Tony, and four great-grandchildren Sister, Grace Gibbs (deceased), son Charles Gibbs (deceased) survived by wife Julie Gibbs McCoubrey and daughter Charlene Gibbs Brother, Edson McIntosh (deceased) wife Rosie McIntosh (deceased) Service La Sierra University Church Monday 7/18, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm La Sierra University Church Monday 7/18, 1:30 pm Crestlawn Memorial Park 11500 Arlington Ave. Riverside, California 92505 (951) 689-1441 | Tuesday 7/19, 9:00 am