Alfredo Diaz moved to the U.S. from Cuba with his family when he was seven. From the time he was very young, Al loved designing and building things and decided he wanted to be an architect. After obtaining his degree, he practiced with different firms and also worked with the San Bernardino County Planning Department for several years. One of Al's passions was his service as a Tournament of Roses volunteer for more than 25 years; he even requested to be buried in the classic white suit and red tie that committee members wear during the parade. Al helped 50 to 150 people battling cancer, as well as cardiac patients, through his donation of corneas and tissue.

Al's Story

Alfredo Diaz moved to the U.S. from Cuba with his family when he was seven. Al always had the gift of gab and made other people laugh. When he was young, he would often entertain his parents and sisters by imitating Jerry Lewis. He made friends easily and, despite having to learn English as a second language, he could talk to anybody and make them laugh.

Al kept in contact with many people throughout the years, whether high school friends, business colleagues, or close or distant relatives. He also loved cooking, both to entertain and to help others, such as the time he helped to cook meals for more than 200 homeless people.

From the time he was very young, Al loved designing and building things and decided he wanted to be an architect. In high school, he liked running, biking and other sports. After receiving his BA in architecture from Cal Poly Pomona, he practiced with different firms and also worked with the San Bernardino County Planning Department for several years.

During his marriage, he was blessed with two children, Austin and Alysse, of whom he was very proud. He also loved his parents, helping them in any way he could.

Another of Al's passions was his service as a Tournament of Roses volunteer for over 25 years. In fact, he requested to be buried in the classic white suit and red tie that committee members wear during the annual parade. His wish was granted after Al passed away suddenly on October 30, 2011, just shy of his 54th birthday, from heart complications following three brain surgeries in four days.

"Al leaves behind an important legacy," said his sister Marta. "Subsequent to his death, we were approached about organ donation. As a family, we all agreed to the donation of his corneas, skin, certain bones and other tissues. Through our loss, we felt this was important because he would have wanted to do so. We have been informed that Al will be helping between 50 and 150 people battling breast and other types of cancer, as well as cardiac patients.

"We may miss Al, but we also know that he would want us to rejoice. He is healthy, happy and at peace in the presence of the Lord – and probably partying and entertaining everyone in heaven."