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A message prepared by Martin for Alex's gathering

13 July, 2003

Like many people, I met Alex during a quest to solve a computer associated problem. His enthusiasm, and his need to solve your problem, was immediately evident. It soon transpired that we had a number of other common interests, particularly in science and music. We also realised that over the years at University our circles of friends had at times seemingly run in parallel, and on occasion had overlapped. Sometimes we wondered how our paths had not crossed earlier, or if, perhaps they had.

The things I will remember most about Alex are associated with his character, and not the shared events. His insistent helpfulness, the generosity with which he gave his time, his knowledge, and occasionally, even equipment and belongings. I soon came to know these as defining characteristics. Enthusiasm, passion, helpfulness, acts of kindness. At times when he had little, he would still give from what he had. When he saw a solution to some problem you'd encountered, he would keep pushing you toward that solution. Most times he was right. Of course, like the rest of us, I'd liked to have helped him more - especially when he needed it most, but unfortunately asking for help was not something he was as good at.

Alex was fascinated with the stars and with space. A number of times he had me out in the backyard or parks at the early hours of the morning, searching the sky for satellites and comets. I know there were others he did this with as well. I can say that I've seen the Mir space station, literally, because Alex showed it to me. I know that where ever there are stars and a clear night sky, he will be there in spirit and in memory.

We've collected together a few pictures of Alex. Photography was something he was also long interested in. Unfortunately, he preferred to be behind the camera, rather than in front of it - so there aren't too many recent pictures. But pictures come in many forms. Some of these are impressions, some are characteristics, and others are events. But it is through music that I will keep another strong picture of Alex. Another of his intense passions and a common interest. He was a walking encyclopedia of information and experiences. Much of the music is of course linked to places, events, and memories.

Lastly, I'll simply say that it's often harder for people to accept and come to terms with a loss, particularly in these circumstances, without a physical connexion to that loss. We could search for answers to the questions that remain. But really there is no sense in searching for something we can never know. I know that initially there were a whole mix of emotions that accompanied Alex's passing. For me this all fell away to sadness the instant I saw him the last time. Asleep. At peace. For others it's been harder, perhaps more surreal, without that physical affirmation. By now I hope that this has passed, leaving perhaps only feelings of sadness. Hopefully these too have been eclipsed by happier, albeit bittersweet, feelings when we remember the good times, the happy events, and the strengths and the weaknesses that made Alex the person we knew.

I'd really like to thank Alex for his help, his time, his company, his friendship, and the good memories and knowledge he imparted over the years. I'll carefully hold and treasure the best of these in the years to come, to resist time as it tries to wear them away. Indeed, I'd ask everyone at some stage today, to pause for a few minutes, and to very deliberately embed in their minds a couple of their favourite specific memories, as well as a clear mental image of Alex, to prevent them from fading. Please keep him safe in those little neural heavens we all carry around within us.

~ Martin