Well put as usual my friend.
For years I have asked the "backyard" team how Alan was doing, usual response was a quick shake of the head indicating not well.

My first trip to SAR I believe was 2016 when Jean and I arrived in NYC. I'd been listening to AB on Jason's radio show for some years and respected his opinions very much. Meeting him for the first time on the train from NYC to SAR, I recognized the voice immediately, introduced myself to him. I remember him not looking anything liked I'd imagined. He was quite a gentleman, very gracious and engaging.

Later, on same train, he wandered back to where we were seated and introduced himself to my wife and we talked for a bit about everything BUT racing - where we lived, how we were enjoying the city,...and he shared where the "backyarders" would be. I did not attend his seminar, but we did engage the group for the first time behind Byk's BBQ stand. For several years we seemed to be on the same Amtrak to/from SAR & always fun to share the weekend stories.

Later on, we'd laugh when I shared one thing we had in common - "we are not bad handicappers, we're terrible bettors"!

Prior to Fairmont's 2018 trip, Jean passed suddenly in Feb. I'd been in touch with AB every few months and knew he was beginning a long, tough journey. But after she passed, he send me several notes of encouragement, sympathy, & how he was dealing with similar. Never once about him, always concern for the others.

I guess we all knew this day was coming, and thank you Fairmount for putting it so well - see you soon. And we'll toast this wonderful man...