Monday, June 23, 2014
Al was a unique character. He had charisma and presence. When he entered a room he was one of the most important people in it. But he was modest and would always divert attention away from himself. He always greeted everyone he met warmly, no matter what their station. Al was a natural mentor. He especially liked young people, and would always ask them "So, what do you want to do with your life? What do you want to be?" And if they had a dream, he would try to help. This is why he was a great professor at the college. The arc of Al's own life was special, like an arrow launched high and straight from a bow at an early age. He was the "Hispanic Forrest Gump". I kept trying to convince him to write an autobiography of his life, which I'm sure would have been a NY Times best seller and made into a movie. He was always fun to be with. I miss you Al, but I will see you again someday.
