Update on Audiogon Member Almarg


I have some very sad news and information to share.

Al ( @almarg ), through his wife Margaret, asked me to post the following...

{"The attached letter to you was dictated at his bedside to me earlier today. I hope I got his words down precisely as he desired."}

"Unfortunately Al has an extremely aggressive form of Mantle Cell Lymphoma coupled with a mutation of gene TP53 (known as tumor suppressor gene). He has received outstanding advanced treatment with the latest and greatest chemo drugs at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale in New Haven. Unfortunately it appears that he only has a few weeks to live.

Please feel free to post a substantive update [on Audiogon]. He has not been able to do that because of his condition. Please indicate that he has enjoyed solving problems, researching others,’ and learning a good deal himself while developing his answers.

He and I wish everyone all the best of health and success in audio endeavors, in that order.

Al [and Margaret]

September 9, 2020"

I will post my very personal response tomorrow.
david_ten
I can't begin to find the words to express how deeply I am saddened by learning of this illness to one of the, if not the finest gentleman to grace this large forum.
I can only pray for the best.
Thanks for the update, David. This is crushing news. Everyone who has been around here for any length of time knows what Al has meant to this forum and what a friend he has been to countless audiophiles for such a long time. I never had the pleasure of meeting him in person, but I have reached out to him many times over the years anytime I had a question and needed an expert opinion. Al always took great care in providing detailed and very clear explanations anytime I asked, and we all know that he has been the go-to person in this forum for such questions for many years. Additionally, in a time when public discourse has become almost unbearably strident and confrontational, Al has always been the consummate gentleman, even on those rare occasions when someone challenged him on some point. He's that rare person whose vast knowledge is exceeded only by his kindness and boundless generosity. His contributions here have made this an infinitely better place. Prayers for comfort and peace, Al (and Margaret). Thanks for everything.
I wish that I could find words that are as eloquent as those in the preceding posts, but I don't think it's necessary; it was all well said and true.
All that I can add is that I had many learning moments and great advice from this kind and generous man, and he is one of the rare people that I have met in my life that makes me proud to be a human being.
Thank You for everything Al. I will always remember you.
John
This is very sad news, indeed. Al was the gentleman's gentleman, always ready to help and advise those in search of a better solution. He was gracious and responded so, going the extra mile to make sure he never offended, and always taking the high road. 
He seemed adverse to acrimony, to a fault, which is sorely missing here, and a reminder of gentler times, which I now miss more than ever. 
It took awhile for Al to open up to the facts of his background and education as he never deigned to "lord" over others and only did so when challenged by some schmo.
I hope his passing goes gently despite his prognosis and that the tough parts are over. This is the last place that should hold his attention as I'm sure he has more family and friends than most could want and they deserve to hold his focus as he passes.
My thoughts are with him and his family.

All the best,
Nonoise
Al could always be counted on for great advice delivered in a thoughtful and considerate way. How great could this place be if more people behaved like him? Best wishes to Al and his loved ones in a truly trying time.