Albert Chirnside
Age 81 of Wilmington, DE, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, March 3, 2005, at Forwood Manor after a long illness with parkinsons.
Al's parents arrived in America from England and shortly thereafter, on August 28, 1923, Al was born in Pawtucket, RI and raised in New England. His college highlight was playing football for the University of New Hampshire. He took a leave from college to serve in the Army Air Corps during WWII. Upon return, he resumed his education from the athletic field to the bridge table. It was playing in a National Collegiate Bridge Tournament where he met his wife of 57 years, Sally Dodge Chirnside. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Delaware in electrical engineering and began a long career with the DuPont Company. From Seaford to Wilmington, Al worked in marketing and textile fibers until retirement. He was an active member in St. Albans Episcopal Church and sang for over 20 years in the choir. He helped found the Delaware Track and Field/Sports Club, officiating in many major relays and competitions earning a Masters title as track official. He was a member and past president of the Delaware Blue Hen Touch Down Club. He also taught ballroom dancing at the YMCA for Parents without Partners, coached women's softball for DuPont's "Fiber Fillies", and enjoyed and volunteered in local sporting events from football, UD women's field hockey to LPGA golfing events. Family and friends will all miss his dry wit and profound dedication to family, work and community.
After the recent death of his wife, Sally, this past October, Al is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Rob and Dr. Anastasia Chirnside; his daughter, Laura Lane Schuster; and his 4 grandchildren, Nathaniel and Katie Lane Chirnside and Ali and Kelly Schuster; a nephew, John Pierce and his wife, Yvonne; and his brother-in-law, Burke Pierce.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 12, 2005, at St. Albans Episcopal Church, 913 Wilson Road, Wilmington. There will be a light reception immediately following the service.