Al Tamayo, 78, Dickinson, ND, died Monday, October 29, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center, Dickinson. Al’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, November 2, 2007 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson with Fr. Austin Vetter as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans Drill Team following the service. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. There will be a vigil at 7 p.m., Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service with Deacon Ron Keller presiding.
Frank Alfred Tamayo was born on January 28, 1929, in Cokeville, WY, to Lena and Felix Tamayo. He grew up in Kemmerer, WY. Al received his bachelor’s degree in education from Dickinson State and his master’s degree from the University of Montana, Missoula. He married Irene Remillong on November 5, 1951.
During the early 50s, Al trained with the 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles”, at Camp Breckinridge, KY. He then attended the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, to learn Romanian and was stationed in Austria as an Army interpreter. After his military discharge, Al began his teaching career. As a dedicated teacher and coach, Al inspired many students over the years in Beulah, Mandan, Watford City, Glasgow, MT, Glendive, MT, and at Dickinson State. In addition to being a professor at Dickinson State, Al was the rodeo club advisor and the inspiration behind the successful Country Western Jamborees.
Al was a gifted athlete. He was one of the first two athletes to earn 12 varsity letters at Dickinson State and was also one of the earliest athletes to be inducted into the Dickinson State Athletic Hall of Fame. Al coached many of his teams to state or regional titles and officiated for many years in the region. He was an excellent golfer who always reminded his daughters “to keep your head down.”
Throughout his life, Al lived an active existence. As an educator, he served on many boards and committees. For several years, he worked for the National Education Association in Washington, DC, where he traveled throughout the country presenting teacher workshops. After retiring from education, Al became involved in the oil industry through his son-in-law. Al was a well-respected landman who inspired others with his strong work ethic. Recently, he served as the membership director of the American Petroleum Institute. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks, and American Legion.
Al was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who was always there for his family. His legacy of “following your dream” and “doing it well” continues through the generations. Al is survived by his wife Irene; his daughters Pam (Dave) Stenehjem, Killdeer; Nancy (Norm) Dutot, Grand Forks; and Cyndi (Bill) Morley, Parker, CO; grandchildren Raquel Gillispie, Phoenix, AZ; Anitra Hendricks, Rapid City, SD; Daniel Dutot, Grand Forks; and Zachary, Alexis, and Lucas Morley, Parker. Al is also survived by his sisters Cleo, Julia, and Celia. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Mary and Ida, and his brother Jerry. In lieu of flowers there will be a memorial established at Dickinson State University in memory of Al.
