My deepest condolences to his wife, Margaret, the rest of his family, and his friends. I never had the pleasure of interacting directly with Al but was an avid follower of his posts on A’gon and benefited many times from his generosity in sharing his considerable depth and breadth of knowledge. He was a genuine class act. His passing is very sad, and a real loss to our community. Thank you, David, for sharing the news.
Member Almarg passed away last night
Al ( @almarg ) passed away peacefully yesterday evening, September 14th, 2020.
Margaret, Al's wife, was by his side most of the afternoon.
Both she and Al, as well as Al's family, were deeply touched by the outpouring of respect and appreciation for Al from members who, via written word, shared so very much in the 'Update on Audiogon Member Almarg' thread.
Margaret extends her thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all members. She treasures each and every post.
Margaret, Al's wife, was by his side most of the afternoon.
Both she and Al, as well as Al's family, were deeply touched by the outpouring of respect and appreciation for Al from members who, via written word, shared so very much in the 'Update on Audiogon Member Almarg' thread.
Margaret extends her thanks, gratitude and appreciation to all members. She treasures each and every post.
151 responses Add your response
My condolences to Margaret and family. I've had a heavy heart since hearing the news of Al's illness. As I logged onto the forum each day, there was a noticeable absence, I'm sure other members felt it as well. Al was the elder statesmen of Audiogon, we all appreciated the knowledge he shared, how devoted he was to problem solving, and his respect and kindness toward all of us. I will truly miss the email notifications stating "You have a message from Almarg." I hope there will be beautiful music for Al during his final rest. |
I was deeply saddened to learn that Al was ill. I am even sadder to learn about his passing. Al and I traded many online and offline messages over the years. Al always taught me something new and interesting. I really cannot add much more to what has already been said above. Every kind comment and recollection is all so true, and yes, he is and will be missed. May Ha Shem comfort Margaret and her family. Baruch Dayan Emmes. Bruce |
Thank you so much David for acting as the conduit between this board and Al’s family. It is with great sadness that we receive this news. I wish the best to Margaret and her family as they work through this trying time. Al will indeed be missed. While we are all saddened, we must also remember to celebrate a life well lived, which it sure sounds to me that Al led. So let’s be glad that we were able to have him among our community and let us honor him as we move forward by asking ourselves, What would Al do? I wish peace and condolences to all. |
RIP Al. Condolences to Margaret and her family. Al was a brilliant man with a gentle touch. Audiogon will not be the same without him. I'm sure anyone who knew him personally will miss him more than we here on Audiogon. And, as we can see form this outpouring of sympathy, we will miss him tremendously. |
Very sad news. Although I never met him I respected his knowledge and his ability to present it in an understandable manner without ever being condescending. Always the gentleman I never remember him demeaning anyone although some of us would have deserved it on occasion. Rest in peace Al. Condolences to his wife, family and friends. |
@falconquest (from above)... we must also remember to celebrate a life well lived, which it sure sounds to me that Al led. In addition to Al's audio related posts, I always enjoyed reading his posts that pointed to his love of Porsche. Lest Porsche be given a bad name, hifiman5, I regret to say that the Porsche of recent years seems to have no resemblance to the company as it appears to have existed in 2000, based on Bruce's description of it as "bad" at that time. |
So Sorry and Sad to hear this. Al was always a true Gentelman, by kindly and generously sharing his knowledge, informing and educating those like myself when understanding of things electronics and electrical had hit a wall... I for one am in his debt. Thanks a bunch Al Also my deepest condolences to Margaret and all his loved ones. |
Margaret asked me to share the link below, should Audiogon Members want to sign the guestbook, send an online sympathy card, upload a photo, etc. https://www.boutonfuneralhome.com/obituary/alfred-wirtenberg |
As a few have alluded to, Al IS that example we should all aspire too. I simply cannot thank Al enough for that. It is not easy, yet his example will persist forevermore. Margaret, my condolences to you with prayers asking for comfort from the Lord above. And thoughts of Al being warmly greeted at the Pearly Gates. David, thank you so much for your kindness toward Al, his family, and to us all. Douglas Schroeder and others, much appreciation for your having reached out to Al. |
@david_ten thank you for everything you have done to keep us posted. Such a sad day in the Audiogon world. Al was the epitome of everything this place could be. He set an example we should all look to follow. Apart from that, he was a friend. I’m honored to have gotten to know him. God bless you, Al. Peace to Margaret and the family... |
Never had the opportunity to meet him but he was at the top of the list of folks I would love to have met. I always took note of his very informative posts and often look up his posts when doing research on some new hifi topic that I know he talked about. And yes, if look up the word "mensch" there should be a picture of Al there. I believe he is the only person I know of with advanced degrees in both Engineering and Law. That gave him unique and insightful perspective on many things plus he was so uniquely literate and focused when he wrote, in addition to possessing such deep knowledge in many areas. Can't say enough nice things about him. One of a kind! |
How sad. My condolences. Another good audiophile down. Take care of yourselves out there. Especially old timers from the 70s/80s. Each one we lose represents a serious loss of experience, knowledge and wisdom that contributes daily to an entire “social memory” we share by communicating over years with newer audiophiles. |
So sorry to hear of Al's passing. Whether you dealt with Al on the various threads or directly, he was always polite, gentlemanly and so informative with his responses. It would be a fitting tribute if members would strive to "model" future postings with the style and grace Al showed us all He will be missed - A sad day for this forum indeed. |
Just this past May I learned through a conversation with Al that he owned a pair of Daedalus Ulysses speakers (for the past ten years). Al said he would likely never make it out to see Daedalus’ operation, so as it happens, Daedalus Audio is 15 minutes down the road from me. With camera in hand I went down and introduced myself to the owner, Lou Hinkley and toured his operation. Once done, I sent all those picture along with a long narrative back to Al so he at least got a chance to see where his speakers originated from. I was so happy I could do this for Al. A true gentleman, with vast amounts of knowledge. My deepest sympathy goes out to Margaret & family. Al will truly be missed. |
Every organization with which I have been associated has a group of individuals that collectively constitute the soul of the organization. When those people are lost, the organization looses something that can't be replaced. Al was a big part of Audiogon's soul. He was a gentleman's gentleman and a scholar's scholar. His tone was always polite and collegial- even when he was dealing with neophytes and buffoons. Those of us who wish to honor his memory would do well to emulate him. Goodbye my friend. |
Al exuded wisdom, knowledge and understanding of his subject, patiently explaining it in a way which was never demeaning to those posting, and, he was and is the standard by which all of us should conduct ourselves. He will be missed by many of us, and he left Audiogon a better place by giving us his best... God bless you, Al. |
| Post removed |
It is with the deepest sympathy that I write this message to Almarg's family. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. Find strength in one another and surround yourself with dear friends. Remember all of the good times in your mind and in your heart to get you through the rough times. Think positive thoughts and cherish all of the good memories that you have developed over the years. Also know that if Al has touched all of the people and their hearts here on Audiogon, he must have touched so many others in his lifetime that makes him so special in his journey in his life. Life can be short and long but between that time is what really matters as a human being. Al, keep a guiding light on for the rest of us.
Margaret, stay strong and love the time you shared together. |
