Joseph Albert Saline, Jr.

Joseph Albert Saline, Jr. (“Al”) was born on 10/10/34 in Rocky Ford, CO as the only child to the late Joseph A. Saline, Sr. and Basha Inez Shipley. Al Saline passed away peacefully with his children close by and in the arms of Jerry, his oldest son, on 01/31/16.
Al loved his family with a pure, supernatural love; in fact, he would often tell people, “I am more blessed than Abraham!” He always put his family first and looked forward to frequent gatherings where he loved to laugh but, more importantly, he loved to make others laugh. He always made sure the family went to church every Sunday. Al was known for his sound judgment, his compassion, his generosity, and his keen sense of humor. Al was faithful to his church, loved the people, and loved His Lord. The day he passed, Al spent hours with his family telling story after story of his life. At the end of the afternoon, he said to his whole family, “This has been the happiest day of my life!...” and that he knew that, despite his many accomplishments, nothing he had done or could ever do would be enough to get him into heaven; the only thing that would grant him entrance into heaven is Grace.
Al enjoyed traveling with his wife, Thelma, and visited numerous countries and special points of interest around the globe; including Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, South America, and the Holy Land.
Al worked for 31 years as the Project Manager for Kasler Construction Corporation and E.L. Yeager Company. He contributed to many of the freeways, bridges and highways in California. Al forged meaningful relationships with the men who worked for him; they were always more than ‘workers’ to him. After retiring, Al became an expert avocado farmer in the Temecula, CA area. Farming his avocadoes became his new career. He spent countless hours each week walking the groves with one or more of his children and other family members, talking, teaching, influencing, and instructing them in the family business. He recently told his grandson that a man may need a doctor or a lawyer once in his life, but he needs a farmer three times a day.
Al Saline is survived by his wife, Thelma Saline; his son, Jerry Saline, and daughter-in-law, Jodi; his daughter, Sharon Yee, and son-in-law, Darvin Yee; his son, Steve Saline; and his son, Dave Saline, and his daughter-in-law, Christiana Saline. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren
Closed Casket Viewing at Emmerson-Bartlett Mortuary on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016 between 5:00 and 8:00 pm.
Private Graveside Service at Hillside Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016 at 10:00 am for family and friends.
The Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Redlands at 11:00 am. A reception with light refreshments will be served immediately following. ?