Alan was one of my co-workers at Qwest and later CenturyLink . I remember when he was a new guy starting with the phone company. Always fairly up beat and if things were bad he would have a comment that would make you laugh or at least smile. Sometimes when we worked together and I couldn't find a certain tool in my pouch on my belt he was quick to share one from his pocket. He carried everything in his pockets and rarely strapped on a tool belt. Wire side cutters, screw driver, a small wrench, wire connectors and wire that was just the right length he could produce from his pockets that would complete the repair job. I often wondered if Tamara had to contend with any of that stuff in the washer! When he spoke of family he always mentioned....well not being from a large family I'm glad he could keep track of them especially the nieces, nephews and grand children and events he shared about them. The last time I saw Alan was early this year, it was cold and he drove up and we visited farmer style stopped on a side street with our pickup windows rolled down on a gray morning. We shared some things about his health, retirement and the important things of life and asked for my thoughts. I gave my advice. He gave some to me and we drove on having shared a little of a day in a life time.