I just checked in while taking a break from tying ants for a swap with a friend at a Gathering of the Clan next week, so tying was much on my mind when I opened this thread. Al's instructions were a huge help to me as I took up this hobby and he occasionally e-mailed me with great advice when I ran into a problem. When I think of him working a paid job, contributing as much he did to FAOL, doing major home improvement projects, tying and fishing, and still finding time to help a newbie tyer like me, I still have to shake my head in wonder.

I regret I never had a chance to meet him in person, and find it strange that I miss a guy so much that I only met in cyberspace. He was an amazing guy and a great man. The Lord took him home far too soon, but must have had a reason.