Allan (Al) Albee died on Jan. 22 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 78.

He was born on April 22, 1940, in Jamaica Plain. Raised and cared for by his grandparents, he graduated from Needham High School in 1959 where he was a track and field legend, having won several state champion titles. He attended Denver University in Colorado from 1960 to 1964. In his younger years he worked as an arborist maintaining the trees of the Boston Common. After his schooling he joined the Milford Carpenter’s Union. He spent several years on a fishing boat, scalloping off of New Bedford and out of Edgartown, and eventually sailed over to Martha’s Vineyard on his friend’s boat, where he spent the remainder of his life, working mostly as a carpenter.

Al was an outdoorsman by nature and heart. He had a passion for photography, and was often behind the lense capturing memories. Some of his fondest were moments spent in the woods and on the water. He was an avid bird hunter and enjoyed the company of his Lab before moving to the Island. He enjoyed hunting trips that took him to every corner of the country; one of his fondest was a trip to Montana for elk hunting on horseback.

A strong individual, Al placed great importance on his physical fitness. He spent several years training in KunTao Silat, and more recently was a member of the CrossFit Martha’s Vineyard family.

He is survived by his cousins Peter and Patricia Albee and Bryan Albee. He is also survived by many friends who loved and cared for him during his final years.

A celebration of his life was be held at the Portuguese American Club on Feb. 9 from 2-5.

Donations in his memory can be made to the “Help us get big Al to his final resting place” fundraiser via Facebook.