Another loss: Al Nash dies two days after eulogizing his brother

Former Friday Harbor Town Council member Al Nash died Sunday night in his sleep, two days after eulogizing his brother, Charles, at the brother's funeral Mass.

Mr. Nash was 86, his son-in-law, Robert Strasser, said. The death was unexpected; Mr. Nash had gone to Sunday brunch with friends, then visited the Strassers, who had been taking care of his dog.

Mr. Nash's son, Mike, will make funeral arrangements, Strasser said. Arrangements will be announced later.

Mr. Nash was the son of Albert M. Nash Sr. and Margaret McSorley Nash, and the grandson of Elijah Hamlin Nash and Deborah Kelly Nash. E.H. Nash was an early Friday Harbor mayor and state legislator who lived in the home now occupied by Spring Street International School.

For years, the younger Al Nash owned and operated Friday Harbor Drug, which he purchased from his father; and with his brothers Charles and Kenneth owned Ace Hardware when it was located in the building now occupied by Island Studios.

Like his father, grandfather, brothers and uncles, Mr. Nash was active in community life. He served on the Friday Harbor Town Council from 1982-92. His grandfather, E.H. Nash, was the town's mayor from 1915-1921. An uncle, Carleton Nash, was mayor from 1934-36.

By virtue of his community involvement and his longevity as an islander, he was a valuable resource on local history and was providing input on the new book “San Juan Island,” which is being authored by Mike and Julia Vouri and the San Juan Historical Society.

Mr. Nash is survived by his wife, Priscilla, seven children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

More information will be posted when received.

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