Alfred "Al" Augestad

1924 -

2020

With great sadness the family of Alfred "Al" Augestad announces his peaceful passing on Dec. 12, 2020, at the age of 96, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Al will be lovingly remembered by brother, Sverre; children, Karen (Dennis) Casanovas, Karl (Lu), Kristine; grandchildren, Derek (Jasmine), Kimberly Casanovas; and stepgranddaughter, Renata. He was preceded in death by his parents; devoted wife, Virginia; brothers, Harald, J. Norman, W. Robert and Kidron Cantu.

Al was born in Foochow, Fuzhou, China, and graduated from St. Francis Xavier's College, a Catholic secondary school for boys, in Shanghai, China. He attended Aurora University in Shanghai and graduated with an LL.B. and an economics degree. Upon graduation, Al joined the American law firm of Allman, Kops and Lee in Shanghai, then moved to Hong Kong, joining the law firm of Wilkinson & Grist.

During Al's younger years in Shanghai and in Hong Kong, he was an avid tennis player, winning many championships. Al and Virginia played tennis together and most notably pulled off a historic upset by defeating a well-known champions pair in a mixed doubles match.

In 1954, Al joined an American commercial company and later transferred to the firm's San Francisco office in 1956. After receiving a job offer in Alaska, the family moved to Anchorage in 1957, under the premise of a one-year stay.

After full retirement as a real estate broker, Al still enjoyed following corporate mergers and acquisitions and was a notable tennis player who served on the boards of several organizations.

Known for his positive outlook on life and inspirational quotes, Al was happiest when socializing with others.

A Requiem Mass and Celebration of Life will be held in 2021. Memorial donations can be made to the Alaska Botanical Garden, 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road, Anchorage, AK 99507.