Albert R. Vargas was born May 5, 1915; Woodrow Wilson was President and Wort War I was less than a year old. Born to John and Rose Vargas and two sons who all preceded him in death. Albert’s father was an owner of a cargo ship and Albert said he enjoyed accompanying him on his shipping trips because he loved the sea and he had a longtime appreciation for the deep blue.
Albert’s family was hit by the Great Depression in 1929, forcing Albert to mature at an early age. When not in school he was working on the waterfront to help bring food to the table. He said those few years taught him the most about discipline and perseverance.
When Albert graduated from Alameda High School in 1934, he embarked on a Transpacific Yacht sailboat race from Los Angeles to Hawaii – a 2,225 mile trip with four friends. One of the boy’s father’s owned a 35 foot sailboat and it took them three weeks to reach Hawaii. They used radio signals to navigate through the choppy waters. This was the trip of a lifetime which Albert talked about often.
At the age of 21, Albert completed his Coast Guard license in San Francisco and he became a tugboat skipper, moving Navy ships in and out of the bay area. Because of his many skills he did maintenance on repairing engines of Navy ships and spend many hours working on submarines and Air Craft Carriers during the war years.
When he met and married the love of his life, Shirley Lorraine in 1936, they spent the next 68 years where they enjoyed many hours on the water and later moved to Arizona to enjoy another activity of square dancing. They also enjoyed traveling throughout our country and when asked why so much travel, his answer was, traveling is one of life’s greatest teachers and encourages everyone to find the time to travel.
When asked about what makes for a long and healthy marriage, Albert said, “patience is crucial.” The key is understanding he explained. “We all have problems; the thing is how you work them out.”
After enjoying two birthday parties for his 104th birthday, Albert was hospitalized and passed away on July 1st. His last words were, as he looked up at the Priest and received the last sacraments, were: “I have had a blessed and full life and now I am ready to meet my maker.”
We are so sorry for the loss of Albert. He was a kind and gentle man. He will be greatly missed.
Sure will you, Albert. You we’re such an inspiration.
We will miss you but we know you will be happy to see your love Shirley
You will be very much missed. Now you and Shirley can sail away together.
Deepest condolences. You will be missed by everyone you touched. Hold a seat at the pinochle table for me.
One of the very last true gentlemen. It was not only an honor to know you but was a privilege as well. We loved all your stories and you will be truly missed. Rest In Peace Albert.
What a beautiful tribute! Losing a loved one is never easy especially when it’s someone special as Albert. But our Heavenly Father promises a time when these feelings of pain will no longer be called to mind. (Isaiah 65:17) My heartfelt condolences to the Vargas Family.
With deepest sympathy,
Michelle
Albert was my best friend and we had many wonderful times together and Sandy and I miss him very much and our only consolation knowing he is now in heaven with his lovely wife Shirley and enjoying sailing the waters of heaven with his true love Shirley and his sons. May the good Lord bless him with many rewards for all the services he gave each and every one of us by his example of how we should lead our lives. Amen
Richard & Sandra Stauder