I am (or was) a very long time regular TG user, I was also on the forum for many years - previously as dehere. It seems that my absence from handicapping has led to my account lapsing so I needed to sign up as a new poster.

For what its worth, Alan was a great house painter as well. Alan, another friend and my self painted houses in upstate New York a few summers back in the early 70\'s. We even painted his parents\' house in Manhasset. Those were great times that I enjoy the chance to remember them now.

I have known Alan since 1969. He was my first roommate after freshman year and he was one of my absolute best friends ever since. The memories I have of him will brighten my days for a long time. He was such a genuine person and such a joy to spend time with. If I had listened to him before the last race at Santa Anita in 2009, the year John Conte won the NHC, it would have been me that would have won that year. Unfortunately, I failed to chat with him about that race before I put in my ticket. I remember Alan as a great handicapper who had the unfortunate talent of picking a winner and spreading the word but, then, failing to bet that winner. But I remember Alan for so much more. I so regret not keeping in touch the last couple of years and when I called Irene last night because I could not reach Alan I found out that he had passed. Man, I will miss him.