- Date Of Birth: August 24, 1951
- Date Of Death: December 18, 2006
- State: Florida
Al served 4 years in the U. S. Air Force.
Al saw life as a challenge. He loved the challenge of his law enforcement as Deputy Sheriff. When Al was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004 he also saw this as a challenge and was determined to keep fighting even when the battle seemed too hard to win.
Albert was predeceased by his mother and father. He is survived by his wife, Elaine E. Ridge; son, Douglas A. Ridge of Orlando, Fl.; daughter, April M. Ridge; brother, James J. Ridge and wife, Liz, of Indianapolis, IN; In-laws Vaughn K. and Louise Caldwell of Shalimar, FL; sister in law, Vicki C. Andrews of Acton, MA; nephew, Richard K. Andrews and niece Jessica C. Andrews of Acton, MA; nieces Janet, Jackie and their families also of Indianapolis, IN; Special friends Tyler Guinn and his mother, Judy, and Brandon Gynn. Al considered Brandon and Tyler to be his adopted grandchildren.
Al and his family would like to thank all of his family, friends and law enforcement who helped during this difficult two year period. He loved to hear his phone beep while he was at treatments at M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic. He would feel like he was still connected to all those at home.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to his wonderful caregivers Suzanne, Bonita and LuAnne from Hospice of the Emerald Coast. Al called these ladies his “Angels” that kept him going when he was away from his doctors in Houston, TX. Words cannot express the appreciation to the staff at M.D. Anderson Cancer Clinic including Dr. Blumshein, Dr. Cox, Colleen Tetloff, the physician’s assistant and Theresa Eddings, the research nurse.
Al would like to say to his fellow law enforcement family that although his torch has gone out he will be watching over those that are still carrying the “Torch”.
