Obituary of Allan Chresten Sorensen

Allan Chresten Sorensen entered into rest on Monday, June 19, 2023, at Augusta University Hospital.  He spent his last days surrounded by loving family.  Al was born April 27, 1938 in Edson, Alberta, Canada, becoming a U.S. citizen in 1965. 

He leaves behind his dedicated wife of 27 years Phyllis (Philly) Black Sorensen and three children Jody Zuvich (Mark), Scott Allan Sorensen, and Almeda Rose (Rosey) Baker Sorensen as well as three grandchildren Peter Chresten (Marlene), Luke, and Mark.  He is also survived by his brothers Michael (Terre), Stephen, and Bill (Ann) as well as his niece Mackenzie Chresten.  His extended family includes the Howie and McMillian families.

Following his graduation from Drake University with a B.S. in Pharmacy, Al began a business career that would span the next 60 years.  Although Al spent his entire career with one company, he was involved with four businesses all of which have grown into multibillion dollar industries today.  He co-founded Interim HealthCare, Inc. in 1966, the first home healthcare company in the U.S.  The vision of the company was to improve people’s lives.  According to Jennifer Sheets, the current CEO of Interim Healthcare, Al left an impressive legacy. “It started with his commitment to strong relationships with the company’s franchisees, many of which are now in second and third-generation family ownership.  These franchisees have not only cared for millions of patients and clients, but also created jobs for hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers.”  In 2022, Interim HealthCare had over 700 franchised/branch locations in the U.S., British Isles, and Australia. 

Through several ownership changes, Al remained constant.  When H&R Block, Inc. acquired the company in 1978, Al became the Chief Executive Officer and later also Chairman.  He served on the Board of Directors of H&R Block from 1979 to 1993 when Interim Services, Inc. was spun off in an initial public offering. 

Al was proud of the company he co-founded, and even in retirement he took his role as Chairman Emeritus and Permanent Advisory Board member seriously.  Although he was unable to attend this year’s company’s conference, those in attendance gave him a standing ovation which was captured on a video which Al proudly shared with his family and all his professional caretakers in his final weeks.  Al consistently wore his Eagle lapel pin, which was awarded to his company’s highly successful franchisees. 

Al also served on the board of directors of a number of companies.  In 1998, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Republic Services, Inc.  During his tenure he served as Presiding Director, Chairman of the Compensation, Nominating/Governance, and the Audit Committees. 

While he lived in Ft. Lauderdale, Al served on numerous community arts and performing arts boards as well as boards of community colleges and the Humane Society of Broward County.  Al continued his philanthropic work in Aiken.  His love of animals led to his volunteer work with the Aiken SPCA, serving as Board Chair and as an Executive Committee member.  He supported the arts as treasurer of Joye in Aiken and treasurer of the Aiken Center for the Arts.  He served others through his work on the board of the Rotary Club of Aiken and the Aiken Technical School Foundation Board.

He will be remembered for his love for his family, friends, his country, the business world, the arts, and animals in need.

In keeping with Al’s wishes, his service will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road, Aiken, SC 29801 or at www.LetLoveLive.org.  or to the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St., Aiken, SC 29801 or at www.aikencenterforthearts.org. 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com