@david_ten thank you for initiating this thread.
I’ve had the privilege of becoming friends with Al over the past 15 or so years. Of course, Audiogon provided the connection, but we’ve conversed on topics audio and otherwise, back and forth, over time. Always wished we could do an audio show together in NYC, as it would have proved a day of days, but he wasn’t comfortable traveling into the city from a physical and mental standpoint. Nothing would be truer than to say Al embodied all the plaudits folks have given him in here.
Of course, Al was neither foolish nor naive. Those who shilled in these forums, acted in a completely inappropriate or insulting manner, put forth ridiculous theories and ideas, pumped themselves up, or put down others engendered a strong sense of disgust in Al. But he never let it show here, even to the very few who had the temerity to attack him. He carried himself with absolute dignity, grace, and decorum, and though he possessed an obvious sense of the beauty and emotion of music, normally let the facts and numbers speak for themselves. He also had tremendous respect and fondness for many here, as well.
God bless you, Al. Though I’ve made a lot of friends here over the years, and have come to like even more, no one came within a thousand miles of what you provided here to all of us. Wishing you and Marge comfort and peace...