The Cauliflower Alley Club is sad to report that 2004 CAC honoree Percival A.(AL) Friend passed away earlier today from complications of a surgery / heart attack. Percival was a regular at all the CAC reunions for many years. And was in charge of running the cribbage tournament (after The Destroyer retired from that position) which generated several hundred dollars to the benevolent fund. Due to health complications he was unable to attend the 50th reunion. Al had been in declining health for several years. He will be missed at the annual reunion. Our condolences go out to Percival’s family, friends and fans at this time.
Some additional thoughts from Glen Rylko:
Al was an ambassador for wrestling, the CAC, and the Alicia‘s House Food Pantry. He worked with all of the greats in the Central States promotion in the early 1970s and was the lead heal manager for Black Angus Campbell, Roger Kirby among others. He always spoke very highly of Buddy Rodgers and The Sheik in his many stories of his time on the road starting out.
Al definitely had the gift of gab and a big heart. Most recently, Al managed for Championship Wrestling from Marion Ohio and managed Ox Baker in a feud with Bobo Brazil, Jr. Al will be missed, RIP.