Alfred H. Ostrand

How do you categorize a life? Dates? Relations? Achievements? Yes to all, but there is so much more. Al Ostrand passed away on April 4, 2018. He was born in Westmont NJ on September 16, 1926 to his mother Bedell and his father Alfred Sr. He is survived by his two sons, Frederick and Philip and his daughter Elaine.  He has five grandchildren and four great grand children.

Always an over achiever, he graduated high school early at 16 then entered the US Navy in the V 12 Officer Training program at Yale University. He got his commission, but the war ended and through the GI bill he was able to return to Yale and get a degree in BA in economics in 1947. Al moved to work in Nashua NH, where he met the love of his life Gerry. They married soon after and with their daughter Elaine moved to Wilmington DE to a new job with DuPont.  Dad worked in various different departments and subsidiaries with DuPont all over the world for decades.

In Wilmington the family grew with son Rick and later son Phil. He continued with DuPont and then after retiring formed his own consulting company . After retirement he and Gerry travelled extensively. Visiting Europe and reconnecting with his extended family in Sweden.

Al had many passions in his life to which he was devoted. Family, swimming, politics and finance. He was a member of the Yale swim team during its glory years, and continued swimming at the Y, the JCC, and Lane Swim Club. He was a legend at the JCC for swimming every day. On his 90^th birthday he swam ¾ of a mile to celebrate. One of his pleasures was marking his mileage on the board there after each swim. In politics, dad was active in the Republican Party throughout his life. He was always working behind the scenes to help Gov. Russ Peterson, Sen. Bill Roth and others. Dad loved to be involved. He felt a duty to help out. In 1982 he was recognized for his help with the Energy Task Force by President Reagan.  He worked with the Yale Alumni Committee and served with them for years.  He was an active volunteer with the Kalmar Nickel Foundation, the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society and the American Swedish Museum.

Dad taught his children – respect, humility and perseverance. Al climbed Mt Rainer, drove the Chevy wagon to Bar Harbor loaded with kids and gear, body surfed with his sons before an approaching storm at Fenwick Island,  was there for all three children during their trials of life, and their celebrations. Whether it was his whimsy of The Worm in his yard, or studying Bonsai at Longwood, or painting scenes on the Brandywine; he had a deep appreciation of nature, beauty and an understanding of the rhythms of life. Dad was always there for each of his family when he was asked and needed.  We will miss our father. But we also feel incredibly lucky that he was in our lives, and helped shape each of us to be who we are today. Thank you Dad! We love you.

The family asks that donations be made to the Kalmar Nickel Foundation, 1124 East 7th St., Wilmington, DE 19801 or the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, 726 Loveville Rd., No 59, Hockessin, DE 19707.