When I think about Alex, two unforgettable evenings immediately come to mind—the retirement dinners we attended at the Blue Bell Inn, hosted by DIA. These occasions were not just celebrations of our careers but also deeply meaningful moments that underscored the respect, friendship, and collaboration we shared.
The first dinner took place on December 13, 2022, in celebration of my retirement. Alex’s presence brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie to the gathering. As we reminisced about our time working together, he shared heartfelt reflections about the challenges we faced and the successes we achieved as a team. His kind words highlighted his genuine respect for those around him, making me feel appreciated and valued.
The second dinner was on April 18, 2024, for Alex’s retirement. It was my turn to honor his remarkable career. During his speech, Alex shared his plans for the future, expressing his eagerness to embark on part-time consulting opportunities. Earlier that year, on January 31, 2024, Alex had emailed me with a thoughtful proposal:
“Post-retirement, I am interested in developing part-time consulting opportunities that use the skills I've built and applied to project roles including: project and team management end-to-end—Scrum, Kanban, waterfall or other; requirements definition; acceptance test development; test management/QA/UAT; release and deploy; post-release burn-in. We worked together, and you have seen me use these skills. From our time together, I know and have great respect for the skills you bring as a system architect and in many other areas. If you think there are possible opportunities after my retirement where we could work together on projects as consultants, I would be interested in getting together to explore further.”
Alex’s proposal reflected his humility, thoughtfulness, and desire for collaboration. During his retirement dinner, he recounted a challenging project at DIA—a time when deadlines loomed and solutions seemed elusive. He described how our partnership had turned the tide, and with his trademark humor, he quipped, “When Bang retired, I lost my secret weapon.” The room erupted in laughter, but his words carried genuine appreciation for the bond we shared.
Tragically, Alex passed away suddenly on the afternoon of October 24, 2024, following a widow maker heart attack while riding his bike. His passing was a heartbreaking shock to all who knew him, leaving an immense void in our lives. Yet, the memories of those dinners and the moments we shared remind me of his kindness, humility, and unwavering optimism.
Alex was not just an exceptional colleague—he was a true friend. His ability to uplift others, celebrate achievements, and approach challenges with wisdom and humor will forever remain in my heart. As I honor his memory, I am inspired to carry forward the values he exemplified and the friendship he generously offered.