The Al Alvarez Foundation
EulOGIES
Al lived big. He had a big heart and a big old voice. He had big ambition and big zest for life. Lots of us even called him “Big Al.” The thing that impressed Bruce and me most about him was his ability to live big in the moment. He had no qualms about taking time to do the things he felt were important, whether that meant enjoying a deep philosophical hot tub conversation late into the night, deciding to do something as daunting as starting a company, or working with Brian for an hour and a half to try to reel in “the big one.” (An hour and a half is a long time to ponder what kind of fish may be on the other end of the line. He joked about how he was going to take a big bite out of it if it turned out to be tuna. He was going to have himself some sushi right on the beach).But even more impressive than that is what he chose to do for other people. He made choices most people don’t make. Most people don’t begin coaching soccer before they even have their own children. Most people don’t open their homes to whole families at a time to live for unknown lengths of time. Most people don’t spend hours on the phone giving advice—work related, soccer related or just plain life related. Al was not most people.
Al is a role model for so many young people. For Bruce and me (who are far from young), he is also a role model. He has taught us that we have to take time to do what makes us happy, live with open hearts, and have the courage of our convictions. He treated life just like he was envisioning doing to that tuna—he unabashedly took a big huge bite out of it. That is what he would want us to do.
We will forever feel our brother Al in our hearts and hear him in our heads, saying, “Off you go”—guiding us to live life just a little bigger.
Years ago my father passed on advice to me stating that your only true friends were your family and would be there when times were tough. Let me tell you, my father was right and Al became part of my family these last five years. Though I only knew him for such a short time, Al and his family have had a large impact on my life as well as my family’s lives. Those who do not know, Al and Kelley allowed my family to stay with them in between the construction of our new home. Who does this? Family? Not many, but Al and Kelley Alvarez did. Not only did Al and Kelley do this, Al went on to hire both my sons at Cloudburst. The Alvarez experience for our family has taught us lessons of humanity, which I know has made me a better person over these last several months. I am forever in their debt.
Our families grew very close during these months. You would think living together would be a strain and we would seek a divorce. For us, we didn’t. Our families seem to grow together as we shared a bond that will last forever. Each day and night was a new adventure. The first decision each night would be “What would we cook for dinner tomorrow?” Kelley, Debbie or Brendan would do the cooking and we would all wait patiently for “The King” to arrive home from his daily grind at Cloudburst. Of course we prepared ourselves for the arrival with pomp and circumstance. I believe this was called John O’Toole Halves. Upon his arrival, I would attempt to tell him of my pressures at work. The King would laugh at my government experience and tell me I did not know what “real” work was all about. He would continue on how his taxes were being wasted with my employment. You see, Al and I had a special relationship. We would compete to see who could wear the other out through busting of chops.
After “The King” finished dinner, we would adjourn to watch television for the evening. I would go to the basement to watch the Washington Capitals and he would turn on American Idol in the family room. Frequently, I would come upstairs to question his show selection, and Al as only Al could to do, would banish me back downstairs by saying, “Off with yourself.” He could never be rattled during his favorite show.
Most people may not have known Al was a fan of American Idol or the fact he wanted to be a fireman. He began his training when cooking a turkey on his back deck in a deep fryer a few years back. With the blaze going, the fire department was enroute. Still to this day, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department uses this call for service as a training video for new recruits. Al was hooked. He continued these exploits at the neighbor’s household one evening. After eating, dining, and a few libations, Al accidentally backed into a table that was decorated with candles. He was wearing one of his silk or linen shirts. The man knew how to dress. As it went up in flames, we all yelled fire, but Al was unfazed by this threat. He calmly looked back as the fire was doused by on lookers.
Al continued his fire fighting training this year after the blizzard. The “King” decided to cook out on the grill for his subjects one evening. In an attempt to light the grill, the only grass exposed on the other side of the deck mysteriously caught fire. From inside the house, we observed the flames light up the evening sky as if the sun was rising. Everyone in the house was panicked once again, but not Al. He was a dedicated fire fighter by now and with is extensive training and experience in fighting fires, Al calmly told everyone to settle down as only Al could. After several pots of water and the use of the household fire extinguisher, the King doused the inferno. In closing I would like to say that Al will be missed by all, for he was not a good man, but a great man. We loved him dearly and I am honored to have him as my friend. He will always be with me and my family and yes he truly is the most “interesting man” in the world.
As most of you know, Al was a huge Washington Redskin fan. I have been going to games for over 20 years, but never enjoyed tailgating more than with Al. Al made you laugh at each game and was passionate about his Skins. After one such game two years ago, we decided to get Chinese food at one of our favorite restaurants. Sitting at the table after another loss, Al began to speak in Spanish to the employee busing our table. The employee being of Latin American decent, seem to enjoy the conversation as they both looked at me smiling and laughing. I am not bilingual, but believe I understood the word of endearment Al was conveying to this young man. I recognized this term because I had heard it before. He had referred to his favorite pet, Ollie, with the same name. Still to this day when I walked into this establishment, the same young man gives me a large smile while shaking his head. My pal, Al. He was always looking out for me.
These are just a few of the fond memories that come from the chronicles of Al Alvarez. We always wanted to be in his presence because we knew he would make our day. Whether it was seeing him in the morning dressed in his robe with the Russian winter hat upon his head, a day relaxing pool side, or a night celebrating a special occasion at DaMimo’s in Little Italy, Al was the man.
Peace brother