Alfred Halsey (Al) Bombard passed away on November 21 after a long and full life of 92 years. He was born on December 8, 1932 at home in Au Sable Forks, NY to Halsey and Elizabeth (Strong) Bombard. Al was a lifelong resident of Au Sable Forks and graduated from the old Au Sable High School. He was married to Dorla (Douglas) Bombard for 52 years who predeceased him in 2011. Al was very well known throughout Au Sable and the surrounding areas through his decades as Postmaster at the Au Sable Forks Post Office as well as his engagement in local Town life.

Al and Dorla had four children: Kyle of Lake Placid, NY; Karin (Thomas Forgatch) of Au Sable Forks who passed away in March 2025; Todd (Tina) of Morrisonville, NY; and Tracy (Jane) of Rochester Hills, MI. He was pre-deceased by his brothers Charles, Thomas, and Adrian, and sisters Joan and Blanche. He is survived by his sister Linda (Bombard) Singleton of Grafton, Ohio.

As a high schooler, Al lettered in several sports including as a standout Baseball pitcher and player. He began his working life like many local townspeople at the J&J Rogers Iron Ore and then Paper Company where he began to develop his remarkable work ethic. Like many men and women of that day, he was highly resourceful and adaptable as you had to be in those times. He was known throughout his life for his competitive spirit as well as his many relationships and strong Catholic Faith.

Alfred was a proud Korean War Veteran and supported the troops. He also had huge compassion for his fellow man. He supported numerous charities and special causes over the years including his local Holy Name Church, several children's charities, and other causes. Al was also an avid Hunter and Sportsman. He loved going deer hunting with his brother and nephews and other family and friends. Al thrived in this environment over the years tracking and hunting dozens of deer whether in groups or from his solitary tree stand.

Al always kept busy even outside of work. He had many side pursuits to help fill the gaps including painting houses, picking pine cones and apples, and selling vegetables and flowers that he raised from seedlings. One of his passions even up until this past Summer was his garden and boy did he have a green thumb. For many years he ran Bombard's Nursery as a side business where he curated and sold thousands of flowers and plants over the years and enjoyed working with his hands. He had dozens of loyal customers and enjoyed talking to his patrons when they would come year after year.

When it came to Sports, this was where Al's competitiveness rose to the surface. Al was involved as a player and coach in the local Fast Pitch Softball Leagues and North Country Classic Tournaments for many years, later always relishing the opportunity to play in the Annual Old Timer's Game. He was honored when one of the Fastpitch Tournaments was dedicated to him, as it is each year for significant contributors to that tradition and local Town life. He was also a Coach with the local Spirits Town Baseball Team which won league championships.

Al was widely regarded as the best Bowler ever from the town with countless high average, high series, team, tournament, and other trophies. Al threw his first 300 game in his 60s as the alleys were brought up to modern standards. Even in his much later years, his new friends coaxed him into Bowling in Plattsburgh well into his eighties for which he was always grateful. His sons would often golf with him and then in later years usually be able to convince him to go out and golf a few holes with them and their sons up until his 90s.

Al would frequently talk about his Brooklyn Dodgers and how his fandom followed them to Los Angeles in the 1950s. He was pleased and rewarded as they returned as World Series Champions including the last 2 years back-to-back. That turned out to be his last hurrah as a fan!

Al and Dorla were blessed with many friends over the years. They enjoyed innumerable outings with their local family and friends including the baseball and softball games, bowling tournaments, banquets, dancing, and holiday parties enough to fill a book. They used to host annual Christmas Eve parties at their house with lots of laughs and memories. He enjoyed playing pinochle with his brothers-in-law at Thanksgiving.

As time passed, Al grew more committed to his Catholic Faith and would regularly attend daily mass. He would sometimes be found at home reading his Bible and looking for life lessons even at his age. It bothered him whenever he could not get to his treasured Holy Name Church.

In addition to his three sons and sister Linda, Al is survived by 9 grandchildren (Jennifer, Kristy, Tonya, Joshua, Amanda, Keeley, Douglas, Christine, and Morgan), 5 great grandchildren (Isaiah, Tyler, Jayden, Cayden, and Mira), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be on Monday, December 1st at 10-12 at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home with a Catholic funeral service to follow at 1pm at Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks, followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery next to his beloved wife and daughter.

Services have been entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College Street, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912.