Albert Thomas Gregson, Sr
On June 29th, 2024, my best friend and husband of 45 years passed away after his valiant fight with cancer for over a year; he was 91 years old.
Al was a man of strong faith who loved his Lord Jesus Christ. He was a praying, believing, and humble man with hard-work ethics and was a wonderful marriage partner. He owned and operated A.J. Skylights for 42 years and loved it.
Al was the son of John Robert Gregson and Edith Mara and the youngest of his 3 siblings, (Eugenia Ambach, Joan Holmgren, John Gregson Jr.-All deceased). He was born in Ware, Massachusetts on 8/5/1932. His mother passed away when he was 9, and due to his father’s job pulling him to different communities, Al and his brother went to live with close family friends, Ruth and Zeph Canoyah, on their dairy farm to provide stability with schooling in their formidable years. There, they both learned the value of hard work, shaping and molding their character, and earning their way for room and board.
His father married Margie Broton and they had 5 more children (Beverly, Janet, Bonnie, Douglas and William). In 1952, Al met Norma Ursoleo and they married and had 3 children (Elaine-deceased, Judy and Albert Jr). In 1958, Al and his family moved to Santa Barbara where he entered and excelled in the roofing industry. At that time, the roofing industry was like a brotherhood where he made life-long friendships and enjoyed many outdoor activities including being part of one of the first scuba-diving clubs in the community. He also served as Scout-Master for the Boy-Scouts and SDA Pathfinders where many local kids enjoyed hiking and camping trips in the back country. Further, in the mid-1960’s, Al served 6-years as the president of the Local Roofers Union and taught their apprenticeship programs in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria for twelve years.
In 1979, Al met Joni Mowry and they married. He inherited her 2 children (Terri & Chuck). He continued roofing until he decided to try just installing skylights and loved it. He worked until he retired in his 80’s.
He loved his children and grand-children very much and went to as many of their games and activities as possible. He loved trout fishing and spending each Wednesday for many years fishing at Cachuma Lake with his buddies. He loved fishing the ocean as well especially when the salmon were running. His children made him proud. His youngest daughter was a nurse and his son was in the fire service. Al is survived by his first wife Norma and their two remaining children (Judy & Albert Jr.), Joni and his stepchildren (Chuck & Terri Mowry), 12 grandchildren, and over 20 great grandchildren.
There will be a graveside service at Goleta Cemetery on Hollister on Al’s 92nd Birthday, August 5th at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to VNA Hospice who treated Al with love and kindness like the wonderful man he was, God Bless All, Joni