Wishing our Best to Al and Margaret during this difficult time.
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.
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.
155 responses Add your response
So much truth has been said in the many posts on offer here. There is no way to express how I feel about Al. He has always shared his endless knowledge and graciousness in a manner unmatched on this forum. My heartfelt thanks go out to Al and Margaret in this most difficult time. May things go as smoothly as possible for you both in the trying days ahead. My best to you both, Dan Thomason |
The heartfelt and sincere tributes posted by members are a crystal clear reflection of the caliber of person Alford is. I suspected something wasn’t right when he didn’t respond to a recent personal email that I had sent him. This wasn’t like him. I subsequently received the devastating news from his wife Magaret. In my opinion Al is the best example of grace, character, intelligence, integrity, kindness and maturity. He is the shining star of this forum. His contributions over the years on Audiogon are cherished and deeply valued by legions here and we all know this. Al I hope you reach out to Douglas and his sister. Al, God bless you and Margaret. Charles |
As with all the others, I am truly grateful for all of Al's cogent, courteous and knowledgeable input. I'm not very good at expressing myself in these kinds of situations, but my thoughts are with him and his family. May they all find peace and solace for his having made this corner of the world a better place. He truly exemplifies the best of of us. Eliot Fischer |
So sad to hear indeed, How do you measure the worth of a man....clearly by the high esteem held by others, the number of lives touched and improved by Al’s wisdom, humility and his graciousness. A true mensch, a kind soul. keep enjoying the music now, and in the hear after, you will be deeply missed. strength to his family as well... |
Al is what this hobby is all about, both super knowledgeable and a gentleman. He helped me out in several very frustrating and sophisticated situations. His knowledge and ability to diagnose problems are legendary. Wish the best to Al and his family. He is one of my everyday heroes. God bless you. With affection even though we never met, Alan de Vries v V |
cymbop270 posts09-10-2020 Al is one of the finest human beings who's ever logged onto the internet. I think there's no better word to describe him than *gracious.* The man is possessed of grace.In this increasingly divisive world, people like this are so needed. I'll miss the chance to interact with him. Peace out, sir. |
Al epitomizes all that is right with people-- knowledgeable, generous with that knowledge while never condescending-- and all I know about Al is through his posts here. In real life, he must be quite a person. To Al, I wish to say that I think the universal consciousness goes on--I'm not a terribly spiritual or religious person but have taken much from those who understand the patterns of eternity-- please spend your remaining time as joyously as possible-- there is no room for emotional pain or regret. Those who love you are going to be sad and to those, my heart goes out to all of you. Bill Hart |
Ughhh... A person may physically leave this life but the impact they made on others never goes away. I've always enjoyed reading his very informative posts and the knowledge that he gave to the community was truly a blessed thing. We are all better off because of him. My condolences and deepest sympathies. |
Very sad. I am grateful to have exchanged posts with Al, and always enjoyed his commentary. A very giving individual, with his time, and knowledge. And what a plethora of knowledge. Such a fine gentleman and human being. My heart and prayers go out to Al, his wife, and family. Sad, very sad. I hope Al can be kept comfortable, during these days. |
Now wait a doggone minute, I have some questions that I'm sure only almarg can answer! I have always appreciated his wisdom. If you gaze through a search of his posts there are so many thank you's and +1 almarg's over the years it's obvious that he helped so many people with his knowledge. I tip my hat to you sir and wish you and your family the best. Now about that..... |
I've already posted to salute Al, but I feel like I want to do it again and again. When Art Dudley recently passed on I felt terrible, because I felt like I knew him for so many years; but this is harder by far. I want to wish him comfort, and the same to his wife Margaret and family. I would be very interested if david_ten, or someone else could fill us in one of these days about Al's life. I know so little about him. |
I've read this forum for many years and can honestly say that Al is my favorite contributor of all time. Not for his incredibly broad knowledge of technical issues but rather for the way he treats people. In an increasingly crass and confrontational world, he models patience, kindness and generosity. No arrogance, no attitude but rather humility and class. Al and Margaret, grace and peace to you and your family. I believe you have made the world a better place. |
Absolutely nothing I could type can even begin to realise the deep sorrow I feel at reading this David. Al simply was the most outstanding gentleman I had met on any online forum. I am deeply saddened as I had hoped he had fared well against his illness but sadly not. I hope Al,s last few weeks with his family are blessed and may his soul rest in peace. Praying for a miracle all the same. Godspeed Al. |
Very shocking and sad news. I have been reading through the heartfelt posts above and it has helped me. But it will be hard for me to read posts here from now on minus my awareness of Al's continued presence out there, somewhere quietly in the background, and knowing just when and where to so kindly drop in, as he has so eloquently done, and enlighten us on a technical point in a way that allows everyone in the discussion to consider a subject, perhaps in varied ways, and yet always for us without pressure toward a conclusion. Grace personified. An example of the highest order for myself and for us all. Al, I know you will be missed by all of us here. May God bless and comfort your family and Godspeed on your journey, Al. |
Al, I hope that you can read this or that this gets to you..... It is said that the measure of someone is not how well they love, but how they have been loved.... Al, Religion is nearly banished on forums, yet look at the people, one after another praying for you. We all reach our hearts and prayers out to you and your family. You have always been incredibly appreciated and now you know that you are loved. Tim |
Al, others have already said it better so I can just thank you for being the gentleman that you are. You have many feathers in your Audiogon cap, all deserved by your knowledgeable and eloquent posts. As I write this, you are placing yet another one right there. You know how we are and we must have made you shake your head at times. Right now, you managed to do what you might have not thought was possible. You put the entire crowd of us irritable kindergarteners in one line, coming one by one and thinking and saying exactly the same thing. And, for the first time ever, we are all right and stating verifiable facts. That is The Power of Al. Really, thank you for being you. |
It's always saddening news to receive and contemplate when one of the esteemed participants of AG is 'logging off' for the last time... Obviously, Al has been a major influence and a source of reasoned advice, commentary, and information. He leaves a large group of admirers and friends behind in his wake, and will be missed by us all. Sleep well, Al. Know that we can't replace you, we can only miss your prescence in our midst. We are soon diminished, y'all.😢 |
