Alfred George Wigger

Alfred George Wigger of Cupertino. Passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2006, age 82. Al was born Feb. 13, 1924, in San Francisco, CA. The only son of Alfred and Lucille Wigger of Redwood City. Al grew up in Redwood City, attending Sequoia H.S. before enlisting in the navy. He served on the U.S.S. San Saba in the pacific during WWII. After service he enrolled at SJSU, where he majored in business education. Although not planning to be a teacher, it was his calling.Al married Catherine Bugge in 1955 and they both taught on a provisional credential in a one room school house in New Idria, California. He achieved his teaching credential over 2 summers and began teaching at Eisenhower School in Cupertino. He moved to the Saratoga School District in 1963 and taught science at Junior High level until his retirement in 1987. Upon retirement, Al traveled throughout the world, joining the Peace Corps and teaching science in Nepal. Among his numerous activities he volunteered with the Master Gardeners and Master Composters of Santa Clara County, ran a weekly information booth at the Cupertino Farmers Market, where he ferried thousands of pounds of produce from the market to Cupertino Community Center for distribution for people in need.Al was also active in the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Sunnyvale, South Bay Storytellers, Silicon Valley Sharks Cribbage Club, and the El Camino Hospital Cancer Support Group. Al recently celebrated 33 years of sobriety. His caring, strong spirit and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by son David, daughter Amy, two grandsons, Omar & Ali.A celebration of Al's life will be held on December 1, 2006 at the Redwood Middle School, 13925 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, 5:00 p.m. arrival and set up potluck, 5:30 p.m. Memorial Service. 6:30 potluck dinner and reminiscences. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donation be made to the Hospice of the Valley, local chapter Sierra Club, World Wildlife Organization or charity of your choice.

Published by San Jose Mercury News on Nov. 26, 2006.