God keep you Allen,
Here's a guy we could all try harder to emulate. He was always supportive of others efforts and went out of his way to acknowledge your accomplishments. He nurtured stunt from small 1/2 a trainers in the hands of children through to designing and publishing excellent airplanes capable of competition at the highest levels.
Let's look at his writing, he's been the on scene reporter for Nats News, putting out daily reports with photos during the Nats, there's his stunt news columns always full of stuff from around the district, there's his flying models column always of interest to beginners through to experts. Just his efforts here would be LOTS to fill.... But there's more.
He published many many designs, some original, some historically significant. All were a big undertaking and always motivating... One of his articles left you hungry for the building bench!
Contest efforts, while I don't know what went on closer to his home, I saw his efforts at the Nationals. He made sure the beginners and intermediates had a TREMENDOUS experience at the nationals. He had special trophies, large piles of awesome prizing to pick from,and he had lots of support. This too represents a significant effort!
Flying! He loved to fly! And fly everything from profiles to full tilt super stunters! Allen was a modellers modeller, he could design build and Fly! On top of all that he wrote about it all so we could all see and learn from the things he was discovering.
You'll notice that Al didn't engage in the petty bickering that flares up on this site. He would rather not lower himself to such things but rather encourage change through positive comments. A gentleman, this is how I will remember Allen, a gentleman, a modeller, an inspiration to do more things for our hobby. He left a big hole to fill, it will take many to replace his efforts. Let's honour him by ensuring the columns continue, the Nats is well covered, the designs keep coming out and that we conduct ourselves as if he's watching! He will be!
Good bye my friend!
Bruce