Alfred A. Tryon; Ex-Jockey, Insurance Broker

Alfred A. Tryon, a former jockey and retired insurance broker, died Dec. 1 at his home in Ventura. He was 71.

Tryon was born Feb. 7, 1928, in Toronto. Later he moved to Baltimore and attended school there.

After training to become an apprentice jockey at the Vanderbilt Stables in Baltimore, he started his professional career in 1948. He was a regular winner and respected rider for eight years, according to family members. Many times he raced at the Pimlico racetrack in Maryland.

In 1950, Tryon was drafted into the Army and served in the Korean War.

He met his future wife, Virginia of Carpinteria, and in 1952 the couple married.

They lived in Baltimore until 1957, when the family moved to Ventura. He became an insurance broker, retiring earlier this year.

Tryon had been president of the Boys and Girls Club of Ventura, president of the local chapters of the American Chartered Underwriters and of the Estate Planning Council, president of the Ventura Air Force Assn., a member of the San Buenaventurans and an Elk.

Tryon was an avid amateur tournament golfer who won many prizes. He and Virginia each achieved the golfer’s dream of hitting a hole in one. He also was a pool player.

Tryon and his wife traveled to Ireland in 1997, where he kissed the Blarney Stone.

Tryon, who was fondly known as Big Al, Uncle Jockey and Uncle Buddy, loved to read; one of his favorite literary characters was Sherlock Holmes.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters Phyllis Tryon of Murietta, Victoria Fassino of Irvine, Gisele Tryon-Kelly of Ventura and Denise A. Carey of Ventura; a son, Barry Tryon of Ventura; a sister, Murtle Myers of Baltimore; and 12 grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home in Ventura. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge, opposite the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tryon’s name may be made to the Ventura Hospice or the Ventura Elks Charity.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Reardon funeral home.