Albert W. Spickard

Albert Wingfield Spickard, 63, of Cincinnati, Ohio succumbed to pancreatic cancer at his home surrounded by family on October 23, 2014.

Al, or Coach, as most know him, is survived by his mother, Jean G. Michaels, and his daughter, Katharine Spickard, as well as two brothers, Brooks and Scot Spickard.

Al had a zest for life! He had the gift of gab and could light up a room (especially, a gym). World history and sports—especially basketball—were two of his favorite pastimes. He taught and coached in the Oak Hills School district for more than 35 years. In the classroom, he specialized in world history, specifically WWII and Ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. On the court, he loved teaching boys basketball. He was so passionate about the sport that he also started and coached a girls basketball team at SCPA during the four years Kate attended the school.

At the time of diagnosis, Al had retired from teaching but still actively coached basketball. He also enjoyed spending time with his mother and daughter, family, friends, former students and former players, watching baseball, playing basketball, as well as stratomatic. He also loved to collect toys, visit antique markets, dine out, and travel with Kate.

Al's family extends a special thank you to those who cared for him during his illness—the physicians at UC Health, Dr. Benga and Dr. Smith, as well as Dr. Barnes and the wonderful team at Hospice of Cincinnati.

Visitation Oak Hills High School, 3200 Ebenezer Road, on Sunday, November 2, 2014 from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 3, 2014 at 10:30AM at Our Lady of the Visitation Church, 3172 South Road. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 633597, Cincinnati, OH 45263-3597 or Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 4918 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242. B.J. Meyer Sons Funeral Home serving the family. www.bjmeyer.com