Late Mr. Alan was more than just my neighbor—he was a familiar presence that made the neighborhood feel alive. He never failed to greet me, no matter how busy he was. Every time he saw me in the front yard, he would call my name, as if it mattered to him to be seen and acknowledged. That simple act carried a warmth that stayed with me longer than he probably ever knew.
He was almost always out front, working on something in his Chevy. The sight of him there felt constant and reassuring—the open hood, the quiet focus, the sense that this was his place in the world. Even when he was busy, he would pause to look up, smile, and say hello. Those moments were small, but they meant a lot. They turned ordinary days into memories.
Now that he’s gone, the front yard feels different. The driveway is quieter without him, and the absence of his voice calling out my name is something I notice deeply. Mr. Alan’s kindness lived in those everyday gestures, and that is how I will always remember him—not just as a neighbor, but as someone who made the world feel a little warmer simply by being there.
Mr. Alan shared that he and Julie hoped to buy a ranch someday, speaking with calm excitement and acceptance about the future. He imagined a time when their kids were grown and it would be just the two of them. He also found joy in quiet nights spent outside playing with his dogs.
Rest in peace Mr. Alan. You will be missed.
-Tito and Renecel