Al Lajimodiere

Al was the kindest, funniest and most compassionate man. If you had a need, he was your guy! He could fix anything and was ALWAYS willing to help you out. He was loving,giving and loyal. He enjoyed life and had a way of sharing his love of life that was next to none. He lived life to the fullest and we are most grateful to call him our friend. Sean and Al shared many jokes over the years and we will greatly miss him.

Al was a dear friend , a mentor, a drinkin' buddy, a hard worker, a philanthropist, and a genuine good man. He never shirked a task and would go out of his way to help a soul in need. This world is a worse off without him, but I know he and Paul are sippin crown next to a barbecue pit that is completely stuffed with brisket, ribs, chicken and sausage, and the residents of heaven are licking their lips in anticipation.

Al has been a part of my life since I joined the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in 1994. His amazing personality, kind and open manners, warm and genuine smile, his wonderful cooking, and that little bit of Elvis "Alvis" as my family called him often - all won me over in a heartbeat. It was a true pleasure to be able to introduce my boyfriend, who became my husband (Dan) to Al - as the two became fast friends. Like brothers from other mothers... our son Jakeb, since he could talk, called Al "Uncle Owl." Heck, it's what it sounded like to him - and you know, it just fit - he was a very wise man.
Al, Paul and Arnold cooked for our wedding reception back in 2004 (We still say that they cooked up the best brisket and all the fixin's that we have ever had!) (We even enjoyed some of those strawberry and whip cream shots during the pre-party the night before. What fun!) And of course, Al was ready and willing to make sure "Elvis/Alvis" was in the room during the reception - he sang and he danced with my new mom-in-law and with me that night. It was a wonderful evening - and Al was a big part of it!)
My heart hurts and my eyes sting as I write this - because I can still his laugh, and imagine the sparkle in his eyes when we visited he and Shannon at their house, swam, cooked out, etc. or when he was over at our house hanging out with Dan, and enjoying sweet time together. And, at this time of year, it just doesn't feel quite right to not be in the know about the set-up cook for the Corral Club folks in Sky Suites - or to have missed going to the Hold-em and Hit-em cookoff - and others - because Al isn't around. The world doesn't seem as bright, as cheerful or as colorful without knowing Al will be telling some great stories or cooking some kind of amazing food - Cajun or BBQ, etc. I have always loved that man (and you too Shannon) and always will. We are all blessed to have had Al color a part of our world and take up a piece of our hearts.
But, I am certain heaven has become more colorful and enjoyable...and we should all do our best to be ready to meet up with him one day. The music will be ready, the dinner will be on, the Crown will be flowing, and Al will great us with open arms in Heaven.

Paying tribute to Al with my own words is almost impossible. Therefore, I'm going to quote another favorite Cajun of mine, the author James Lee Burke: "At a certain age, you realize the greatest loss you can experience is a theft you perpetrate upon yourself -- the waste of days given to us. Is there any more piercing remorse than the realization that a person has thrown away the potential that resides in every sunrise." God blessed us with Al Lajimodiere, a man who knew how to relish life and how to appreciate the potential of every sunrise! Hopefully, we can all follow his lead.

To a Great Friend Like AL and Late Paul S. Too . I Met AL 20 Years Ago Thru Paul S at Cudd.
AL Hire Me in 2001 and I Had Nothing But the Best Time Working w/ AL , Paul S , Mark , Martha ,
George H. , Gene M , David T , Les S , Steve V, and Others at Cudd Office off of Hwy 529 .

I Had So Much Fun working w/ Those Fun People as on Friday AL and Paul would Cook B B Q and
Cajun Food Too . AL Was Like a Older Brother to Me and AL will Always be Part of Me and Paul too.

AL , I'm Gonna Miss You and Your Smile and Enjoy a Few Glasses of Crown at Longhorn and
Rodeo Cook Off Too . You are a True Friend to Me AL and I Will Miss That Very Much .
Hug to You AL :-) !

To a Great Friend Like AL and Late Paul S. Too . I Met AL 20 Years Ago Thru Paul S at Cudd.
AL Hire Me in 2001 and I Had Nothing But the Best Time Working w/ AL , Paul S , Mark , Martha ,
George H. , Gene M , David T , Les S , Steve V, and Others at Cudd Office off of Hwy 529 .

I Had So Much Fun working w/ Those Fun People as on Friday AL and Paul would Cook B B Q and
Cajun Food Too . AL Was Like a Older Brother to Me and AL will Always be Part of Me and Paul too.

AL , I'm Gonna Miss You and Your Smile and Enjoy a Few Glasses of Crown at Longhorn and
Rodeo Cook Off Too . You are a True Friend to Me AL and I Will Miss That Very Much .
Hug to You AL :-) !