Al Bandel died suddenly on Saturday September 6th 2008. He was an incredibly hard-working volunteer on trails both in the Santa Monica Mountains and the Channel Islands, regularly putting in hundreds of hours a year maintaining and building paths. Full of life, everyone who knew him looked forward to seeing him again, always friendly, vivacious and passionate about his work in the wilderness. He was also an expert cook, and many of us had the chance to enjoy the food he generously shared on trips. His specialty was creating rock walls and steps from nearby materials, and he always built to last.
He leaves behind many, many friends he made through his love of the outdoors. We'll really miss you Al, but your work will live on for decades in the trails you saved.
Update: The SMMTC, Sierra Club Task Force and others paid tribute to Al on one of the trails he often worked on, Secret Trail, on October 11, 2008.
His family asked that anyone who wants to give something in rememberance do so through the SMMTC. You can donate in memory of Al online, using PayPal and your credit card.
Click the "Donate" button below to give to the Trails Council.
You will be redirected to the PayPal site to enter your credit card details for your donation.
SMMTC is a volunteer, tax deductible, nonprofit 501 (C) (3) charitable organization.
818-222-4531 - mail@smmtc.org