A leading amusement industry group has established a memorial scholarship fund to honor Al Weber, who founded and led Apex Parks Group LLC in Aliso Viejo until his death on Nov. 8.
Weber died at age 64 while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands. The fund has been established by the Alexandria, Va.-based charitable arm of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the largest trade group for the industry.
The idea for the fund came from Al Weber’s widow, Bonnie Weber, and Apex will give $100,000 to seed it.
“It dovetailed quite well with what Al Weber was passionate about: developing future leaders in the industry,” said Tom Wages, executive director of the IAAPA Foundation.
Weber spent more than 40 years in the amusement business, including time with Six Flags Entertainment Corp. in Grand Prairie, Texas, and as chief executive of Palace Entertainment Holdings LLC in Newport Beach.
Apex launched in 2014 with private equity backing for the purchase of 15 parks from Palace Entertainment. Under Weber Apex grew to 17 properties in six states, including Boomers entertainment centers in Irvine and Fountain Valley.
—Paul Hughes
