Obituaries : Albert Foreman; Retired Lumberyard Owner

Albert J. Foreman, retired co-owner of Nickerson Lumber & Plywood in North Hollywood, has died at an Encino hospital. He was 69.

A resident of Encino, Foreman died Thursday of complications of a stroke, said his son, Stewart Foreman of Tiburon, Calif.

Born in London, Foreman served as a radio man in the British Army during World War II and immigrated to Canada in 1947. He made custom furniture and later became a regional manager for a plywood manufacturing company.

Foreman came to the United States in 1961 and settled in the San Fernando Valley, where he opened Barrington Plywood in North Hollywood. Foreman later became partners with Bill Nickerson and the business’ name was changed to Nickerson Lumber & Plywood. Both partners retired seven years ago and sold the wholesale lumberyard to their employees.

Following his retirement, Foreman invested in and built commercial buildings in the Valley.

He was a member of Temple Beth Hillel in North Hollywood and a supporter of Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.

In addition to his son, Foreman is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Foreman; a daughter, Roberta Foreman-Ainciart of Santa Barbara; a sister, Rita Gold of London, and five grandchildren.

A funeral was held Friday, with burial at Eden Memorial Park in Mission Hills. Glasband-Willen Mortuary in North Hollywood handled the arrangements. Donations can be made in Foreman’s name to Temple Beth Hillel or a charity of the donor’s choice.