ALAN REINSTEIN
1939-2006

In honor of the ones we love...

Alan Reinstein

October 10, 1939 - May 22, 2006

by Linda Reinstein
May 24, 2006

Beloved Husband
Loved Father and Grandfather
Cherished Friends
Respected ADAO President and Advocate

***

Today we come together to celebrate and honor Alan. A kind, wise, loving, and patient man who touched so many lives.

For 24 years, we have shared one heart. I married my best friend; he is our rock and my soul mate forever.

Alan was a loving, loyal, and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Jack and Esther gave birth to Alan in 1939. They were amazing role models and showered Alan with love.

Although Alan was an only child, his Krall cousins were like brothers and sisters. He shared many memories with me about their summers in Connecticut .

As a father, Alan was the quintessential “Dad.” He dearly loved Jeff, Elizabeth, and Emily; his pride for them was immeasurable. As a devoted father, family always came first. I still smile when I think about Alan wearing Emily's handmade father's day tie to work.

Only a month ago, Elizabeth, Isabel, Esme, Emily, Alan, and I spent a day enjoying Disneyland – from the Tea Cups to the Tiki Room. Just last Sunday, we went to see Emily receive a distinguished student award for the “Exemplification of Jewish Values.” There was no holding Alan back when it came to his family.

Alan's integrity, knowledge, and management style brought him great success; he was a mentor to many. Alan was a quiet and secure man, who unconditionally loved and unselfishly gave. Integrity was monumentally important to Alan. He lived his values everyday. Last year Alan got the greatest joy from teaching literacy to students at MBMS.

Alan loved adventures and travel; we lived life to the fullest. I have fond memories of climbing Half Dome, trekking through Thai jungles on elephants, running marathons, and sharing Alan's greatest hobby – flying single engine airplanes.

Alan always talked about his first kiss for Emily. When Emily was a baby, Alan would sit with her and sing songs such as, "Who's the pretty girl in the mirror", "You are my sunshine," and "Don't fence me in"?. Oh, the love they shared.

Emily and I smiled at some of our favorite memories with Alan. When Emily was about seven, Alan took the challenge of teaching Emily how to ride a bike. Just like learning to ride a bike, Alan guided Emily throughout her life, giving her lessons and values to live by forever and gave Emily the freedom to soar using the tools he gave her.

For Alan's 60 th birthday, Emily and I surprised him with a trip to one of his favorite places, Israel . We went to the Wailing Wall and put in notes to his parents. Our connection to Judaism deeply grew.

Just last January, Alan met one of his many goals by hearing Emily chant Torah, as she became Bat Mitzvah. In reflection, this will only be one of our most cherished family memories.

Alan always took care of his family. Three weeks ago, he asked me to finish the house repairs. On Thursday, Emily and I went to visit Alan in the hospital and showed him our ideas for colors for the walls. One of my many crazy ideas was to go bold and paint one room YELLOW! When Emily showed Alan the yellow color pallet, his eyes widened with fear and smiled as he told Emily to protect him from the yellow. Which we did. Maybe we will paint a yellow wall, in memory of Alan's humor.

For nearly three years, Alan courageously fought his battle against mesothelioma. He never complained about his surgeries or treatment nor did he ever look back. Alan drew strength from his will to live and love of family and friends. Our village and of course Sonia, helped us everyday to make sure Alan was always at home.

Alan shared his courage and strength with many other patients. We have received condolences from Australia to Slovenia . We are not the only ones mourning the loss of Alan. As President of ADAO, Alan became a leader for asbestos disease awareness. He has left a legacy.

He was a great teacher about living each day, especially during this past year. He was fueled by faith, hope, love, and humor. Emily was his sweet nectar, and indeed the best medicine. Alan knew everyday that he was surrounded by love. Our love grew even stronger during these past years and we talked openly about our feelings. Alan had no regrets in life.

Monday was a perfect day for Alan; he loved the smell and sound of rain. In the last moments of Alan's life, Emily quoted one of his favorite songs and said, "We didn't fence Daddy in.” Emily and I will continue to look for rainbows.

Alan wanted everyone to celebrate today. We are left with wonderful memories and lessons learned from Alan.

Alan will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.