Alvin Barton Coulter was born in Chestertown, New York to Lillian Swan and Clarence Coulter. Lillian ran a boarding house and this encouraged Al’s love of people and sense of adventure. Al met Jinx Moynihan when she and her family spent summers near his upstate New York home. In 1978 Jinx and Al married in Southern California and combined their families. They were married 36 years until Jinx’s death in January 2015.
Al served in the Navy as a radar specialist during the early 1950’s. In 1965 he graduated with an electrical engineering degree from the University of Michigan. During his early career he lived and worked in Ohio, Michigan and California. Al loved sports, music, dancing, animals, picnics, good wine and reading. Many a night was spent playing cards with family and friends. People energized Al and Al energized others– he was big hearted, loving and kind. Al managed to find humor in almost every situation. He may have had a few unorthodox methods but Al provided many life lessons to those who crossed his path. One of Al’s favorite quotes was, “Life’s not fair”!
Upon retirement Al and Jinx settled into the Las Palmas Grand Community where they made many friends. Al loved golfing, bowling and singing in the choir. Most of all Al will be remembered for his devotion and support for those he loved.
Al is survived by his five children, Bryan, Jerrie, Jan, Jeff, and Jon. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Suesan, Stephanie, Samantha, Caitlin, Sara, Jarod, and a great grand-daughter Margot.
Visitation will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 612 S. Ellsworth Road in Mesa on Thursday, August 25, 2016 from 10:00 am until the Memorial Service at 11:00 am with Pastor Bill Rindy officiating. Mountain View Funeral Home assisted the family.
I worked with your Mom at Bank of America in the 90’s. And often had lunch with her when she moved to William Sonoma. I met your Dad on a couple of occasions. I was born in western New York and Jinx and I would often talk about politics because I knew of her family. My children were born in AZ and we lived in Mesa prior to moving to LV. We kept in touch through out her colon surgeries. I don’t know how we lost contact. I was thinking of her today and read about her and Al’s obituary. I was always loved the stories Jinx told about Al and her children and grandchildren. I’m so very sorry for your losses. Your parents were one of a kind and I admired them greatly.