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One of Alan's many legacies Alan! Seeing you, right now, touching so many people, prompted me to send you an adaptation of a 19th century English reflection on love and loss. I adapted this from the original, sent to me by the American Sculptor, George M. Kelly. This was entitled "Remember Me as Loving You "Much of the pain and grief we feel when we think of losing someone we love comes from a much deeper awareness of how much that person truly loved us. We see ourselves as unable to respond to someone who has touched our lives so deeply. But, as Alan’s life is now showing us, we can and do reach out. At times like this, you, Alan, are most alive and close to us, and we feel warmed by your presence. In is in this spirit that we honor you. The memories of you give us grace-filled moments which challenge us to be more alive and loving ourselves." Thank you! Remar Your New Little Friend & An Old Friend While I grieve the upcoming loss of my father, who too has cancer, somehow meeting you laughing with you and welcoming your extrordinary spirit into my soul, you have given me a gift no other has been able to give. Through your wonderful personality and tremendous courage you have enabled me to accept death in a way I never have before. You..a mere stranger until a few short weeks ago...have shed new light on a place that...since you're going there...has to be OK. I am so grateful to have not only met you but to have been touched by someone who must be an angel. Because of your illness, I have another new friendship that I will treasure always in Roberta. How lucky you are to have had her in your life for as long as you did...and how fortunate for her that she is related to such a terrific man. God bless you, Eva and the rest of your family and Tom and I look forward to meeting up with you in the future. All my love, Gail Doerr I will never forget that October day Roberta walked into my office and closed the door. "I've got to talk to someone," she said. "I think I found my father!" "I didn't know he was lost," I said. After Roberta's briefing of her story and her search for her father, it hit me. "Her dad is the guy who's picture is in Skin Diver every month. The guy with the beautiful blond. Every picture shows him with his mouth open." I was thinking that, but what I said was, "Are you telling me your dad is Alan Baskin?" Oh, I knew about Alan Baskin. He's the dive operator in Tortola. He's the guy who got everyone together to place moorings through out the BVI--forever preserving those beautiful reefs. He's the guy with the funny ads. I later discovered I didn't know much about Alan Baskin at all. If you could have been there on that October day. If you could have seen Roberta's face...her eyes. It glowed with a spirit of excitement I will never forget. It wasn't long after that you wrapped her up in your family. She waited a long time for that gift, but God was it worth the wait! I got to know you, too. You turned out to be much more than that funny guy in the dive magazines and the savior of the reefs. Here's what I learned: You are the living example of what we all should be...loving, all embracing, open, fun and full of life. Thank's for setting such a great example of how to live. And thanks for embracing my wife, Gail...the one with the foolish little purse. Remember, we are just down the road. Tom Doerr "Lived Long and Prospered" To borrow a quote from a famous Vulcan, it appears you have "Lived Long and Prospered". What more could we have in this life? May your remaining time be long, happy, and full of friends and loved ones. Sorry never to have met you, but feel I know you as a KareMor family member. May your memories "Live Long and Prosper" for those left behind. Your KareMor Family, Charles and Norma Ward Melissa Etheridge must have written this just for you... This is a Melissa Ethridge song that must have been written just for you and just for this time. Love, Jackie P. Talking to My Angel Don't be afraid Close your eyes Lay it all down Don't your cry Can't you see I'm going Where I can see the sun rise I've been talking to my angel And he said that it's alright I've always had to run I don't know just why Desire slowly smoking Under the midwest sky There's something waiting out there That says I've got to try I've been talking to my angel And he said that it's alright This town thinks I'm crazy They just think I'm strange Sometimes they want to own me Sometimes they wish I'd change But I can feel the thunder Underneath my feet I sold my soul for freedom It's lonely but it's sweet Don't be afraid Close your eyes Lay it all down Don't you cry Can't you see I'm going Where I can see the sun rise I've been talking to my angel And he said that it's alright Jesus loves you Dear Alan, I have never met you but just wanted you to know that Jesus loves you very much and so do I as another human being. Janice O'Connor God speed to you Alan Alan, You will always be an inspiration in both life and beyond. We are here for only a short time and the experiences and deeds are the impact we have...yours are vast. You created a meeting place for people who defy labels. People I met at Baskin in the Sun became friends and friends I sent to you and Eva joined the extended network. God speed to you. I can imagine that the great beyond will be a boat with you and your friends telling yet another tale before a night dive. Gail McCloskey Middleton midbard@mindspring.com Alan After listening to Lisa for many years about you, Eva and Tortola I finally took the red eye and embarked on a journey which truly changed my life. From the moment I arrived in Tortola and was welcomed so graciously into your and Eva's home, your spirit of generousity, kindness, and love of life enveloped me. It was as if being surrounded by the place and life that you love allowed me to share a part of you and your existence. I will always value the time I spend there with you and Eva and will cherish the time getting to know you and the wonderful human being that you are. I know that our existence here is just the beginning and that surely our paths will cross again. It truly has been a gift knowing you. Love, Rhoda Hi Alan..Bye Alan Hey..I thought you might be able to use a good laugh. You go on to a much better place; and that's pretty difficult to do when you already live in paradise! I admire your courage and spirit, and wish that I knew you better. You are an inspiration to us all. Fellow KareMor distributor, Bob Canner a fellow member of the KareMor family I am a friend of Jackie Powell and a KareMor dist. I have never had the opportunity to meet you but have heard so much. Bless you Alan on your journey home. We all are better for your time on this earth. Beckie Nalley Delray Beach, FL Dear Alan, We've never met; I'm a friend of Nick's. I just wanted to let you know how much I have been affected these messages and photos. There's so much love, they fill me with awe. And though the body may be failing, the spirit that shines out from your eyes -- transcendent. God speed you, Alan. To The Man Who Begat Robin Who Begat Oliver Alan, in a way, if it wasn't for you, there would be no Oliver. You gave me the greatest gift in life. Love, Steve (the guy who has been trying to become your ex-son-in-law for the last 2 1/2 years). But always your friend. oliver your grandson I hope you feel better and I love you. love Oliver From Jan'OBrien & family Dear Alan & Eva -- How lovely to be able to communicate with you both in this special way. Your spirit is an inspiration, but not a surprise -- knowing Roberta and her indomitable optimism, it's great to see from whence it comes... It was wonderful to visit your home in Tortola on a special girls' weekend, and I will treasure the delightful moments at the Magic Castle celebrating Roberta's birthday. I loved getting to know both -- Alan you are an eternal adventurer. We are all blessed to have experienced the simple paradise of Tortola and the islands and to share, for a moment in time, the idyllic life you created. Your joy will sustain us and this lovely website is a perfect reflection of all that is precious in the Caribbean and in the love of family. I will always remember when Roberta 'found' you and that touching story appeared in the Washingtonian. It was as though her discovery rejuvenated her playful side and the 'dolphin' in her. My family and I are keeping you in our prayers and we always celebrate your spirit. Learning from your example Saturday, September 11, 1999 Dear Alan, Working on the website and having so much contact with your friends and family these past few weeks has truly put me in touch with my feelings. It's causing me to really pull back and think through what I actually believe about the importance of the things I rarely stop to analyze. Friends, family, ethics, grief, priorities, life, death, religion, the universe -- everything. Even in your weakened state you are once again having a profound influence on me, as you are on so many others with whom you have come in contact. Thank you for this priceless gift. I'm putting your ten commandents on a spot at in front of my desk in the hope that by seeing them repeatedly I'll learn from your example of how life is supposed to be lived. With Love, Nick Alan As usual time spent with you is always special regardless of the circumstances. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend Labor Day weekend with you & Eva. You have such a great attitude about this life transition(BIG SURPRISE!!!) & you are still working your MAGIC with people.... Once again I have learned more about LIFE just by being around you---our conversations were PHENOMENAL!!! Once again I came away from time spent with you & Eva blessed with new super quality friends!!! You have taught me alot over the last 16yrs. & my life is far richer & fuller because of your influence---you will be in my heart forever!!! I look forward to catching up with you on the flip side so you can take me on..... "THE DIVE OF MY LIFE" Dianne,Brandon & Shannon all send their love too.... Bob Dear Alan You have completely influenced my entire being... and my spirit. My world and how I saw it has shifted to a place I have always dreamed of. Our phone conversations mean everything to me. I love your spirit and I especially love the way your energy feels. All my love, Neuma a friend of Roberta's and moved by your spirit I have known Roberta personally for two years now, professionally much longer than that. I have no doubt where her warm heart and beautiful soul came from. As a daughter of fabulous parents, I know the kind of bond and love children can share with their mom & dad! I know Roberta feels that way about you & it warms my heart to see this kind of love. I wish you peace on your journey. always, Joy Zucker Real Influence Alan, Your playfulness, passion and joy touch my life. I had no idea when I met Roberta that we would "go to the places" we have gone. At each meeting, she reveals another part of her soul that mirrors you, and, I suspect you would insist, mirrors me. My first glimpse was The Ten Commandments. "You must have these," she insisted. They are suspended, instead of a "To Do" list, from the clip attached to my computer monitor. Last summer, Roberta's mention of how dashing you are with your toe ring gave me permission to don one of my own, a small one. Last weekend, I added a second, a substantial one this time. It's difficult to get too serious while sporting a collection of toe rings. I believe the movement of a butterfly wing in my garden changes the weather where you are. In the same fashion, you have tossed a stone in this pond that ripples through me. What a treasure to live a life of such fullness that you touch the lives of those you never meet. I am grateful for your gifts, Alan Baskin. God Speed, and I trust she will, Ralph Hoar HERE SHE COMES I am standing upon the shore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of a white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says: "There she is going!" "Gone where?" Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just able to bear her load of living frieght to her destined port. Her diminshed size is in me, not for her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says: "There, she is gone!" There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: "Here she comes!" And that is dying... Dearest Uncle Alan, Please remember my father will greet you at your port, and in time we will all met at the very same destined port. All of my love always and forever... Your other daughter, Jayme xoxo Dear Alan, Words can never say all that is needed, the best I can do is say I Love You... Enjoy the journey. Craig From the 10th Commandment (Judy Chocolate) Tender Loving Chocolates Dear Alan; You and your living eulogy has truly touched my heart and soul with all of the love you have brought to this planet! I truly envy all the people that have had the opportunity in this precious lifetime to know you.....your wonderful daughter, Roberta....your beloved wife, Eva and your special friend Michel Leiser (Mitch). They all consider themselves the better because of the rare being that you are and the inspiration that you will. ALWAYS be to them.I wish that in my furure life, I will have the privilege of meeting you. I sincerely feel gifted in this one "knowing" of you! Happy Travels, Judith D. Glassman P.S. You know, I think you stole my thoughts....I know that when we leave this Planet it should be a Celebration.......a new Birthday......a new beginning......just leaving a little part of us remaining in all the hearts of those that love us......and it looks like you have MANY......and isn't that what it's really all about? narwals, etc Alan-- remembering the shop and meeting you with such pleasure. South Beach is an enviable place to pull yourself together. Have fun. Everyone in the deep you know so well is wishing you the best, narwhals, porcupine fish, octopi, morays, et alia. And the undersigned. George Plimpton Dear Alan: I always admired you. I always enjoyed our brief meetings. I always thought you were an extraordinarily lively personality. But, by golly, I had no idea the depths of your character. Your disdain for self pity and your zest for the great adventure ahead perhaps have played a greater part in all of our lives than you shall ever know. You have given us an example to live -- and to die -- by. You can add that to the many achievements of which you are rightfully proud. But do permit us our grief which is purely selfish -- the sadness that we will not have those meetings with you to look forward to on our visits to your beloved islands. Farewell, good friend. May the wind not necessarily be at your back, but where you want it for the exciting sailing you so richly deserve. Walter Cronkite Good memories Good memories are forever. Thanks for this chance to savor them. RA New Year Greetings Dear Alan & Eva: On the eve of the new year, I want to send you my warmest prayers and thoughts. Reading through your web site, you are circled with a special love. You are blessed. H No Problem, Mon Alan, Our good friend, Remar, set up a week of diving for a small group of us who have been diving together for many years. He does a fantastic job of hosting us and we do a fantastic job of teasing him. For our diving we were concerned that the tanks and equipment would not be where he expected them to be. Remar's response was consistent, "No problem, Mon, Baskin in the Sun has got us covered." As always, he was right. Your operation worked flawlessly and we also enjoyed learning about you from him. It is apparent that you have created a big rainbow throughout the BVI....TR Clear sailing ahead! J.C. Pierce, who credits you with making him president of the Friends of the national trust, and credits you with inspiring him in a positive life, just called from Tortola, where our computer blew up! That's why I'm emailing you for both us. Though two storms are swirling around Tortola, they have really done a magical thing: swept up all the bad weather and created a brilliant blue bubble of sky and brisk winds around those beautiful islands. We're thinking of you! sail the ship right through that sky! Love....Remar and J.C. Dearest Alan, As I sit here and think about us and the many years we spent together, you Eva and I, the realization of how special they were hits me right in my heart. I can still see us on the porch together and you saying, "It doesn't get any better than this" We have had so many adventures together, and I was so honored to be your best man when you and Eva tied the knot. One thing for sure, you were never predictable, always present good or not so good and a major force in my life. I will grieve for you, miss you and wish you much love in this journey you are taking. Being with you at this time, I can only say you have so much class, I look in your eyes and see a sense of peace and tranquility rarely seen, you have taken what could be tragic and made it truly heroic, you will always live in my heart. Herb Smile Alan When I first met you several years ago in Tortola I knew at once...here is someone unique! Yet there was also something strikingly familiar about you. Your smile. It was the same big isn't-life-great smile of my much loved friend, your daughter, Roberta. Through the years you welcomed me and other pilgrims to your home...with a hug and that big smile that said...welcome to paradise. But the paradise, of course, is not only on the island; it is in your heart, Alan. Joan your son michael alan,you never met me nor ever will in this life.i live in maui, hawaii and am a friend of your son, mike, michael, or "miguel". i have read many of the loving messages from your close friends and family. Boy, what a guy you must be!!! wish i only had a chance to met you and experience your spirit in person... but please know that i still have a chance because you are leaving something very special for me and everyone else...your son...a great guy with a special charm and insight unlike any other friend of mine. now i know where it came from...keep the spirit...mike's buddy, rob merriman We get what we deserve. Alan deserves the best. Most people get what they deserve in life. That's why Alan had a middle-age break with stateside reality and was able to create the life he deserved. It's why after years of paying dues to short-sighted hoteliers and others only in it for themselves, he achieved the success he deserved. It's why at this, the end of one existence and the start of another, Alan has so many friends, supporters and admirers around to show him how much he is loved and how much of a difference he has made in so many lives. It's what he deserves. We love you Alan. Alan, I have learned so much from you. I'm a literal kind of guy, but my annual visits to Tortola, the time Sabra and I spent with you, showed me another side. Those prized visits with you opened my mind and my heart to another way of thinking because it was so obvious that your freedom of thinking, your unfettered spirituality, were a tonic, a warm salve. After our first visit five years ago, Alan's ten commandments became the screen saver on my computer. Greater emulation followed. Now, I follow what's happening to you with the greatest sadness, of course. But also with hope. Hope that when I reach the place you are now, I can greet it with the same spirit, joy and matchless equanimity that I see in you. When that day comes for me, I will think of you, work to learn from you once more, thank you once again, wherever you may be. Joel From the Muirheads Alan and Eva, we were so glad when American messed us up and we had chance to visit with you that morning in July. Sasha will always remember the amazing cheerfulness and joy you were radiating to everyone near you - something young people need to see first hand - we cannot explain it to them. Alan, we think of you a great deal and always ask for updates from Odile but felt that we would like to post a personal note to both of you with much love from all three of us. Take care of each other and we will all take care of Eva when she comes home. We love you and will miss you in our lives but will never ever forget you and how you stirred up the dive operators, the moorings etc etc!!!! I am not sure if Odile will have had chance to pass on the wonderful news that Brenda, Wesley and Nicolette are having a baby in May 2000. She particularly wanted you to know. Annie, Duncan and Sasha. What A Gift What a gift to be able to see you over labor day weekend! As always, I met some more of your friends, and they have become my friends. And I see that the web page has taken off, so I'm sending this without reading all the messages posted since Tuesday--I just want to be there with my best wishes. We go back to the Grenada days, Alan, when you took me into your house for about six months, and I have felt a part of your family since then. I just located the storage box with whatever I have left from then--letters, etc.--and will look through it in the next couple of days, and post anything of interest; hopefully I'll find some pictures we can put up. Alan, you've been a gift to my life more than I can ever express, and I've realized more and more as I've grown how much of an influence you've had on that growth. When I was freshly dropped out from the academic system, you gave me a taste of the carefree entrepreneurial life--so I went to business school to learn what I needed to live that way. I'm a slow learner, but your example has been there for me to follow to the best of my ability, with enthusiasm for each moment and each element of your life. Thanks for everything, Alan. I love you. George Baral To Alan & Eva Where to start,and where to stop??So many moments,(some very jewish thanks to Alan !!!)so many thoughts.. The birth,design and building of your "Magic Castle"was one of the most wonderful experiances that I ever had with a "client"(if I can call you that!),and it was possible through all the dreams you both put together for a "magical site".I will always give you a smile,when I look at a red fire engine roof gleaming at me!!! Alan,you are not leaving us,you are with us,so I'm fowarding a translation of a short poem, Though under the Earth my loving body will be write me back to the Earth so I can write to you. Miguel Hernandez Stay in touch!!!!!!! With all my love and thoughts, Viviana Forever & Always... Dearest Alan, From the first time together, back in 1972. I knew that forever I would always love you. There were so many good times for so many years. Many smiles with arrivals, many departures with tears. The lists, the running, Ed Hall...to name a few. And the good old Blue Waters, for last moments with you. There will never be a goodbye, in my heart you will stay. And I'll see you again, in another life, on another day. The love we shared was really quite rare, And it stayed in our hearts...year after year A man more wonderful there could never be. And I'm so glad a part of you is forever connected to me. Always & Forever....Your Miami Wife Alan. You have touched so many lives, especially mine. You came into my life 27 years ago and you taught me so much. We had so many good times together. Times I could never forget. We covered a lot of miles on those three day trips and I remember those awful headaches I use to get because we waited so long to eat. And you would say "Close your eyes" "Put your fingertips lightly together" and "Take 3 long slow breaths." You always had a remedy for everything. I wish with all my heart, I had a remedy for you I am so happy you have had Eva all these years to make you so happy and complete. She is truly amazing. I can remember back to when you met and all the people that have come and gone from our lives. You will always be in my heart...as you always have been. I loved you then I love you now and I will love you forever Ina ALAN'S TEN COMMANDMENTS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF ALAN BASKIN GIVEN WITH LOVE AND RESPECT 1. SO WHAT! 2. WHY NOT? 3. TO BE, OR NOT TO BE 4. ABSOLUTE HONESTY FROM A LOVING PLACE 5. I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY 6. WHEN YOU GIVE IT UP...YOU GET IT ALL 7. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT 8. FORGIVE EVERYONE 9. LOVE, WITHOUT CONDITIONS 10. BE LIKE A KID IN A CANDY STORE San Francisco in the lightning Dear Alan, We just met your daughter Roberta in the South Park Cafe in San Francisco. She told us about your situation and we liked you very much. She was sad about you but she is learning to cope with your changes that are coming.We had a marvelous time and did drawings of her and everyone around the table. There was a Saxophone player amongst them and a white haired older man along with a blonde, brunette, and a redhead. At our table their were three of us. I am Marius Starkey and am an artist, Kris Zaragoza a music student and Muldoon Elder, owner of the Vorpal Gallery of San Francisco and New York. We would have really liked to have met you in person from the description that your daughter gave to us. You'll need to give your daughter some support because as much as she seems like she can handle it , she still needs the assurances that you can give her now while your alive. Sincerely, Marius Starkey(Marius@slip.net) and Kris Zaragoza(ragged420@aol.com) A new birthday It's wonderful to hear you talk of this time as a new birthday, or a new beginning. I find it so rare to find those who have lived life on their terms and to their own liking and fulfilment. Of the few moments that I spent with you I came away with a feeling that I've made the acquaintance of someone who would never cower at the thought of his past days, of someone who would never avail himself to licking his wounds, as there are none to lick. Alan, it was a sincere pleasure to have met you, it will always be a great tresure to be amongst "your people" as you have raised a great and strong family. All my best wishes for your time here and even greater ones for the time ahead. Barry dear alan, if you get this message three times it's because i'm so inept at the computer..but i wanted to let you know that you've been in my thoughts and prayers since roberta told me. i've never met you, but i work w/ jim trengrove at The Newshour. .. your positive spirit and neverending optimism helps to keep me going. as roberta knows, i lost my brother in july and jim & roberta were very supportive to me. my brother butchee reminds me very much of you w/ all your good vibes and unbounding energy. If you run across butchee in your travels, share a laugh w/ him and tell him we all miss him like crazy but we're ok. i will keep eva in my prayers. May God bless you, and i wish i could have known you. you touched my life without even knowing it! Sincerely, Linda J. Scott You Bring Me Joy Alan and Eva. I have been one of the very fortunate ones who have been able to spend some quality time with you, both at the hospital and now in your temporary home before Alan begins his next exciting journey. I have felt a part of the Baskin family for over ten years. Michael is one of my great loves and Roberta is one of my dearest and closest friends. Christopher, Robin and Lisa all hold very special places in my heart as well. Although I wish it were circumstances like diving in Tortola than my being in Miami working on a trial that brought us together again after so many years. I still feel like I have been blessed by all of the positive energy and thoughts and all of the love that surrounds you both. You have touched my life, again, in so many ways and I will always cherish the time I have been able to spend with you and will always love you both for that. Much love, hugs and kisses -- both here and beyond. Alan, you are an inspiration and I love you. You have always been a living legend and when you are checking out the beyond, your legend will continue to live on here in all of our hearts. As the title in my e-mail says, you have and will always bring me joy. Love with all of my heart, Ronnie In our next lives.... In our next lives Alan, we'll be together as we should have been in this one. I know, I know, that's my fault, not yours. You offered to hitch my wagon to your star many, many times but I was too mired in traditionalism and responsibility to take the ride of my life on a permanent basis. We did have five glorious years though didn't we? Remember that first night, sitting on the bench at Ibo Beach, you leaned back against me and it was like an electrical shock. Little did I know what fireworks would follow! You were beautiful and you were my first love. You and Eva enveloped me in your love and opened up new places within me that I had no idea existed. I've never stopped loving you all of these years and maybe I indeed made a mistake by not taking you up on your offer, but I treasure the time and memories we have. You and Eva are unique and special beyond words and I am eternally grateful that you let me into your world. I hope in the next one I have the good sense to make the right choice - if the offer is still good! I can't wait to see you next week - I'm bringing lots of jokes! Pat From one SOTS to another (Sages OF The SEA) I first met Alan so many years ago I can't put a date on the year. But when he moved from Haiti he was looking for a new location. He and Eva spent a week with my wife and I on the rock. At the time George Marler was thinking of selling his Dive Shop at Roadtown. Alan looked the BVI over and under. He thought it was pretty good. I knew it was the best in the Caribean. Alan moved in. He got all the Dive operators to join togeather as a Association to work togeather as a group to promote saftey of the reefs at the dive sites. He has been a great addition to the BVI Diving Assoc. As for the title Sages OF The SEA. SOTS Don Stewart Caribean Scuba Diving as the Wright Brothers were to aviation or Harley Davidson was to Hells Angels. Alan I know you have done it all. I still have a few things to do yet, so I wont be joining you for a while. -Bert Kilbride that unknown lady in the black dress Dear Alan, I'm sorry to hear you are so sick and just wanted you to know I am thinking of you and Eva. I was diving last weekend with Jim, Odile and Sasha Chamberlain - we came upon a bait ball, jumped in the water and discovered the area was filled with sharks and even a couple of Manta Rays! You can imagine our excitement - Jim kept saying "It's just like Cocos!" I realized that a joyous world was opened up to me because of you and Baskin In The Sun. Many of my closest friends and most treasured memories are a result of first meeting you when I came to the BVI and decided to learn to dive. (I think we were doing some sketches for an HCA display booth for you.) I have a vision of you walking down the bulkhead at Prospect chatting with the tourists, wearing a black t-shirt with a big silver barracuda and "Trust Me" on the front. Your sense of humor with that shirt still gives me a giggle. Or the time I was in the shop with a visiting Canadian friend - Eva was behind the desk and on the front of the desk was a poster of Eva diving topless. All of a sudden my friend poked me in the ribs, his eyes as big as saucers, and said "Look! That's her! The one in the poster!" Sure made his day! I have traveled places and seen things that I never would have thought to dream about. Much of that is a result of being involved with the warm, helpful group of people you brought together, nurtured and encouraged over the years. I hope you realize how many people you have touched (no pun intended, you dirty old man!) and affected in the best of ways. My heart goes out to you, bless you. Love, Leslie Dear beloved friends, (from an email to Alan, dated 8/30/99) I learned from Sandy of Alan's confinement. I hope - and pray - all is going as easily as possible and that this part of the Journey carries with it the kinds of insights and expressions of love which seem to be unique to this particular experience of life. We are so particularly grateful for you both as our neighbors in this temporal paradise of Little Bay and will forever associate both of your spirits with the magnificient soaring house across the way! We are so grateful, too for this special part of the planet and its seas; it is a legacy for all of us who love it. Above all, we love being touched by your love. And Alan, we are so blessed to know the joy and adventure and kindness with which you live your life and which touches us all. It is a life so fully lived and an inspiration to the rest of us to do the same! This brings our love to you, and prayers for all to go well and be well in the days ahead. Do let us know if there is anything we can do either here or in Tortola for you both. Love, Janie & Sandy Alan Our thouhts and prayers are with you. As always you are going ahead as the trail blazer, preparing the way for the rest of us. Just pick out the best dive spots as always. Maybe we can go look for that new reef again some day. We'll miss ya! Love Karl & Tina Take care of my Jonathan We certainly have experienced all of the wonders of life for the last 32 years. Stephanie was 1 month old when we met and made so many plans for the future and so many came to be. Alan you know I was always aware of what you were up to and our sense of humor entitled us to chastise each other and always respect and love each other in a very special way. We all finally grew up sorta, and we lived our lives as we wanted. As I sit on my mountain top and think of all of the crazy stuff it makes me smile and know that you are going to insure Jonathan gets to hear all of the great stories you didn't have a chance to tell him. We will all be together again, as it should be. Just be Alan and all will be right I love you, Marlene force de cactere Ma chere Eva, I pray to give you the strength og going through the present ordeal. I was glad to speak to you and Alan. I recognized the "force de cactere" that has always inhabited him. So many good souvenirs popped up after our telephone conversation. I felt sorry, but I was reassured when Alan told me "I do not have regrets since I had a very good life and I am preparing for another trip." He is lucky to have a person like you in his final moments. May God bless you. With love, Jacques angel wings Dearest Alan and Eva, Seeing you in Florida this weekend was GREAT for me. But Alan, my chasing you around the globe isn't over! Sooner or later, I'll be advising you about the new business we spoke about--cleaning angel wings. You are a marvel and the world knows it. It was truly amazing to see George of Grenada (no mismatched socks and valise brimming with bills). You had people from round the globe. The glorious web of your influence and inspiration has many strands. We are almost at our 30th year anniversary of our friendship, just as amazing to me today as it was that first day in Grenada when you took me and Marty on "the best diving in the world." . Eva, I'm so happy you have more hospice care so you can get the rest you need and deserve. Michael, your Claudia is lovely! More later and lots and lots of love, Annie McGovern There were two incontrovertible truths when Alan & Eva brought the love of diving to paradise in Haiti. The boat leaves EXACTLY at 9 o’clock. If you were not on the boat, you were missing the BEST dive of your life. After a thousand dives, it was still true. Ron & Steffi We got the news not long ago and were shocked to say the least. We are not real sure just what to say but send our love and prayers your way. Whatever your needs are we are here so please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you Eva for your message. Please keep in touch and Alan don't forget that we still need to make a few dives together in the BVI. With Love, The Marler Family, George, Lu, Dawn, Tanya Marler Hernandez & Kaycie Marler Black An inspiration Alan - you are an inspiration - being as full of joy and enthusiasm in your dying as you have been in this life. You have given so much to so many people in so many ways during your 2 score years and ten. A life well "lived" that will remain with us and many other people for many years to come. We are glad to have known you and we wish you well in your journey and hope that you will take that huge big smile with you so you can continue to touch many more people in all your future lives ....... we will look out for it in ours! We send our love and prayers from across the Atlantic and a gentle hug especially for you. with fondest love Janie and Des Lives in the Whirlwind of the Sea August 24, 1999 Dear Alan, Seeing you yesterday has created a reflection on my part of our tines together and the effects you have had in my life over the last 12-14 years. Many people have certainly had longer friendships with you but ours has been one of support and love. From our first interactions while I was trying to get CSY operating in a viable manor and you were taking a defunct losing operations into the Baskin in the Sun mode we have had a relationship of worth and incredible value. I was always impressed with you taking advice from me on how to deal with Jack Van Ost and the money he owed you. No one else ever did except Mark V and you two were the only ones who received any amount at all in the insurmountable debt built up over the years. It wasn’t just that you did it but that you listened……. I know at times many think you as stubborn and not a good listener and they have probably been right. Difficult to live with (Eva is a saint you know!) and yet your heart has always been there for the right reasons and in the right place. The reality of the feelings you experienced the night of the party at Treasure Isle Mark V threw for me is truly what you deserve from the same people in the BVI. Without your abilities and tenacious work what we all love in the waters surrounding the islands would be gone in just a few years. And then there was “Group”! Never did I know how important it was until we were deep into it and when we finally stopped meeting. The structure and reality checks it put on me were so important to move forward each day while I still lived in the BVI and even today. If for nothing else the respect we all gained for each other and allowed with each other during each evening we met……you , Eva, Herb, Heather, Ben, Mary, Stephanie, Leon and Michael…..whew! What powerful and useful tools for living…..and of coarse dying….we all gave to each other. I only hope whatever I have imparted to you can help make all of today a bit easier for you as I have always lived my life to at least bring some happiness into the lives around me. Love, William CABANA BOY Dear Alan, You don't know me but I've been working for Jim Trengrove at the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer for over two years...and though we've never met, Jim has told me so many stories about you that you are not a stranger to me at all. You are a LEGEND! I only hope I can follow your example and live my life to the fullest. Yours truly, George D. Sanchez Give Honor When Honor Is Due Good Morning Nick and Happy Labor Day!! Everyday I check the web site and I am blessed to see it rolling and picking up speed. What a major blessing!! Thank you for your gift of love. It is a tribute to a great man and the highest honor or respect. You are a saint. God Bless You, Queen of the Sea LoriCestaro@Earthlink.net The Sages Of The SEA This is a title given to Alan,Capt Don,and Bert.We try to live up to it. As the SOTS we sip a few and tell hair raising storys about monsters of the deep .Of course we have met them all and have survived.Back to Alan ,When he left Hati he and Eva joined JakiI and I on Saba Rock,he was looking for a new location. George Marler's Dive Business was for sale.The Dive Sites in the BVI are among the best in the World.Alan liked what he saw above and below. They made a deal.Alan got the Dive Operators togeather as an Association which gave us acces to the Government. Alan also got the Government to put in moorings at the dive sites.He is a great asset to the BVI.On a lighter note .Did you know that Alan is a Preacher. When Gayla I chose to get married ALAN did us a great favor and tied the knot.As Gayla was about to say I do Alan somehow called up off the starboard bow three DOLPHINS.As aman of the Sea that is the sign of good luck.Twelve years now all happy and sucsesfull. Thanks Alan. All for now,see you soon .Bert. So many Great Memories! Alan and Eva, From those early days at Taino beach with the Marine Security Guard, to Ibo Beach, with Jim, anchoring the Hatteras in the mud with Danforth storm anchors, to rescuing sunken dive boats up at Kaliko beach underwater epoxy, it has always been fun, hasn't it? (Or those huge drive trips on the sea-going tug?) Through all of the challenges of running a dive business in Haiti (and running any kind of business in Haiti is for only the hardy) I could always count on you Alan, to open the morning dive with a rousing rendition of "Oh, What a beautiful morning.." Anybody that can do that in Haiti every day has a very different perspective of life, and all of us there still carry it with us. (Right, Linda, Ron, and Steffie?) Another one of your observations I've never forgotten about life in Haiti - "was like living in a Frederico Fellini movie".... How true. Anyway, I'm still working on making a personal visit to see you both. If that isn't in the cards, I will be sending copies of photos from the Haiti days. You have a great opportunity to construct a mosaic of your life. Keith Summers Appleton, Wisconsin You Are Filled With Love Keep the photographs coming, it is such a joy to explore, and see the beauty of your life, lives. I look forward to meeting you again. ox h.h. To Alan, the only truly happy person I have ever known Dear Alan and Eva - I am feeling so sorry for myself right now at having to admit that you MAY be passing on (I'm in denial and keep looking for treatments for you so we can enjoy you a little longer). You two, as short a time as I have known you, have made such an impact on me. I have never met anyone that is as happy a person (without being disgustingly positive) as you are Alan. And with a sense of humor that just tickles me timbers (like your LEGAL drugs note above, God you're funny!). It felt good to just be around you and your genuine feelings of warmth and love. If I get to choose my next parents, brothers or sisters, they will definitely be modeled after you two. It's the way people should feel - genuinely loved, as you are genuinely loved. And not leaving out for one second of the humor, either. I love to laugh and won't be able to remember one conversation where we weren't laughing. I'll never forget when we first met, and I felt this "cosmic connection" (tee hee), and it turned out to be that you're Baskin, nephew of the Al Baskin from my home town, Joliet, and you were a hippy attorney in Chicago when I was putting my RIGHT, RIGHT wing parents through Hippy Hell. What a coincidence! You know how I love to talk and could go on forever (if you would just stay around to listen!! please???) I will part with this, as fast as I can get it to Nick, I'm sending that beautiful picture of the Magic Castle I took at Christmas - a home that's only half as beautiful as its occupants. I love you both and only just a little mad that you're choosing to leave us so soon Alan. I love you. Jackie Powell A positive ray I have always been struck at how you always have a kind and positive word each and everytime we have met. Although our time together may have been short, your impact and the legacy at the National Parks Trust is enormous. You have given those of us who have had the enormous pleasure of meeting you, an invaluable gift - a love and zest for life! Joseph Magic Castle Alan, Words just seem so lame when you are trying to express so much emotion and love. I feel that you know somehow but just wanted to say again how special you are and what a difference you have made to so many people..... and me. Our time in Haiti, the whole "family" group we had, with you and Eva at the center, was magical... that is why I laughed to myself when we saw your Magic Castle sign in the BVI... because even in your little room (home) at IBO beach, it was a Magic Castle. You constructed the magic and the Magic base (or maybe tower would be better... but it was both) was you. I changed and grew from the magic. Thank you for that. As you move on from this life and adventure, I know you will explore the next adventure to the fullest. I fully expect to see a sunset a few days afterwards and in the sunset will be: "Opening the newest Baskin in the Sun"... and you will be baskin in a new adventure! It is so hard to say good by to the ones you love... I'm glad our paths crossed and touched in this life, and I hope in the one to come. Linda Life & Friendship Dear Alan & Eva Your message reached us in New Zealand, Although we have not been writing much we are with you in spirit....... I love you both and as long as I live you'll be a part of me...... I wish you this journey of transit to other times and realms to be one of Peace & Tranquility Much Love & Affection Ze'ev & Lois Tragedy The Tragedy in life is NOT dying, but ...... what dies inside of us while we are still alive. Terry Depiero, Eugene Oregon Who's Who Somewhere, someone has a copy of the book "Who's Who" and can quote the list of acheivements the name Alan Baskin has been recognized for. Someone please blow the dust of the cover and hit the keyboard. In the totality of it all, the book cannot reflect the magnetic and dynamics of a man we all love and adore, which can only speak to our hearts. . . Lac My loving brother I am so happy I found you after so many years,just a little late but you know never too late to find my big brother who looked after me and protected me when we were younger. I open all the photo albums that we have and I see us as we were and how we grew. I look at your eyes in the photo's and wonder what you were thinking and why. Now I know for sure,it was the love of life,the adventure, the chase and the finding family and friends all over the world.We have found you, Eva, Robin, Lisa, Michael, Chris and Roberta and will never let them go again. You and they will remain in our hearts and minds until it is time for us to join you. We love you always and rest assure we will always be there for the family. Love always our sweet brother, Bonnie and Marty. To Alan I was 18 years old, and you gave me the opportunity of a life time; an experience that has influenced my whole life. Working with Michael, I ran one of your dive shops in Haiti. During that time I learned to dive, and how to take others diving, and most of all I learned to appreciate life under the sea. As a result of those lessons, I have attempted to spend every vacation traveling to the far corners of the earth to experience the wonders of the sea. I love to dive. I have a 2 year old daughter and I look forward to sharing this with her. Thank you Alan for having such a positive influence on my life. Brad The Chance To Know You Eva, thank you for your last letter and also for the verse about women. I am glad you are over the worst of the shock and will most definitely be here for you when you return to Tortola. I wish that I could come up to Florida to personally say goodbye to Alan but I will have to do it by letter. Alan, we are very happy to have had the chance to know you and to share part of your life. You are a wonderful man and we wish you the best for the next phase of your existence. You are about to embark on a journey and I hope it is a wonderful and enlightening one. All my love to the both of you. Joe sends his love too. Arlene Hug Sandwich If you really wanted all of us to talk to you this bad all you had to do is ask. This is a little mellodramatic. I'm going to miss you but I'm really glad to know you and call you friend. I will hold your birthday party in my memory as a highlight of my dive related experiences with you and Bert and George and Randy all in one place, that was very special. You and Eva and Harry changed my life in ways I'll probably never completely know but I am greatful. I understand your decisions, I think,after being through similar situations with many patients. Do what you need to do for you and know that we will all take care of Eva when she comes back to the island. She won't be alone. I am glad to hear that you are at peace with life and death it is hard to remember at times that it is the nature of things. It is something that those of us in medicine have to deal with more often than most. Please consider yourself hugged and in the middle of and Eva, Alan and Sue sandwich. Hugs AB, Sue T. & Rod Laing Healing Energy I heard the news from Roberta and was stunned. Somehow for me you have taken on an almost mythic role of Poseidon, waiting for all who come to welcome, envelop, test, celebrate, and tantalize. It has been too long since my last visit south to the land of fish and dreams. But mostly, the fun of spending time with you and Eva made the trips extraordinary. At my doctor's office in this winter (in Chicago) and ran into one of the Kilbride people and we talked about you, and what you add to the community there. Then within 30 minutes another diver that spent a week with you 10 years ago came in and he talked about how you took care of him when he visited ..(all the divers in this area must go to the same doctor). When I was in the Galapagos in February, 60 feet under, alone, camera in one hand, in 3 knots of current hanging on with the other hand to a rock pinnacle to keep from being swept away, surrounded by more sharks than I could count(only slightly terrified...right), and my weight belt unfastened. I thought this is it... but you were beside me laughing and I fumbled thru without becoming fish food. Your impact on people is far greater than you probably realize. People experience your presence as a cloud of care, concern, wonder, and most of all humor. I wish that I could say the same for me (no such luck!). My father passed on 25 years ago so quickly that I never had time to complete anything. My mother, who had cancer, 10 years ago is still going strong. I don't know how to figure what to look out for as life smashes in. The things I worry about are rarely what is important. Time seems to be running at us faster all the time, and I don't take the time to stop and be thankful for the troubles and the blessings in my life. We all have both. Yours are more pressing now than mine and I wish I could help. You are present in my thoughts and I send as much healing energy as I can gather and hope for the miraculous. I look forward to seeing you soon. All my love.. Hal Gerber (Chicago) Legal drugs for Alan I have good days and bad days. Four days ago I thought I was a goner when I started throwing up black tarry stuff that we found was old blood. Eva put out an APB and got all my kids here for the event. Low and behold I am much better. Kind of a disappointment, since I am really ready for the trip. I feel wonderfully calm, and am under the care of Hospice, which is an organization that really listens to the patient. They are giving me a much Morphine as I want and I have not, nor will be, in any kind of pain. Imagine, I can get as much drugs as I want LEGALLY. What an opportunity. Alan Baskin - Aug 1999 Beautiful Moments Whenever people would inevitably ask if working in hospice was not defeatingly depressing, I remember answering that to the contrary, I was privileged to be in the presence of some of the most beautiful moments of living anyone could ever know. Yes, there are hard times and sometimes physically challenging experiences and a certain sadness in leaving others behind, but something unique happens to the soul. To this day, I carry with me those moments as vividly as any in my life, and I hear it so clearly in your voice. We're just sorry we can't be there to see you in person (esp. with the new slim look!), but know as well as you do that distance and time are pretty temporal things and that we are there anyway. Love to you both, Janie & Sandy Rich in Spirit To be able to write to you both of you and acknowledge Your presence and impact on all of our lives is truly amazing to me. I know you will cherish every inch of this web site and remain humble about the overwhelming response. It is a living memorial dedicated to you and an opportunity to feel love across the globe- centered through this page. Alan, it ocurred to me that your excitement for life has been constant throughout the years and you surely know, that you cannot spread happiness without rubbing it on yourself....unless of course it was ALWAYS there to begin with. I have never once seen you angry. Eva, you are a saint.... a giver, care taker and nuturing spirit. I am so happy to consider you a sister, the one I never had. Forever will we hug and gently rock from side to side. Always will I hear Alan's voice from across the room say, "Now girls, you're getting me excited!" ;-) Always will a bright orange Bali tile sit on my desk as a reminder of a special place called The Magic Castle and everyone's guest room....Wonderland! Love you More xxoo Queen of the Sea... To Alan I guess I could post a long message or story about one of our days together and how I remember it, how it makes me feel now. Or maybe I could write several little stories about each of twenty or forty of these days. But that would be for others. Instead, I choose to write directly to you. So, for those times we all experienced together- in the water, at breakfasts and dinners, and the moments in between Alan, I thank you. Stephen St.Croix Charisma and influence Alan Baskin influenced the lives of the people around him. In the business world, in the dive world and most significantly in the world of personal awareness. Alan, you are the most charismatic figure most people will ever have the pleasure of knowing. And yes, you have led a very full life, but those of us who view your life with admiration -- and no small amount of envy -- want to have you around a while longer. Please stay as long as you can. First Meeting From the moment I first met Alan on the floor of the DEMA show in Las Vegas (1981 more or less), I was struck by his energy. At the time I thought that this was someone who truly believed in what he was doing and the things he was saying -- or he was one of the world’s greatest salesmen. I came to find out it was both. Spending time with Alan, and in Alan's world on my first trip to Haiti, was unlike anything I had experienced before. After a day with Alan I felt like I had known him for months. After a few days it seemed like I had known him for several years. After several return visits and regular correspondence in between, Alan felt like he'd part of my family -- part of my consciousness -- for most of my life. I don't know if it's just that we clicked or if his presence had this impact on everyone. Again, it's probably both. Alan had freed himself from the hostile state-side world and created a lifestyle of seemingly carefree comfort. Those aspects of it that couldn't be carefree and weren’t always that comfortable he treated as trivia that one could just brush off. It was all in the attitude: Rule #1 was "so what?" In the1981 Atlantic Coastal Diver magazine article about Baskin In The Sun I quoted Alan as saying: "Right now I'm having the best time of my life." It was magic because it was true and it was real. -Nick Jewels in life As friends go, Alan & Eva are jewels in life. We go back over ten years and the impact they have made on my life was significant. I have planted seeds over the years but none take root......as far as I can see. The first time I ever met Alan blew me away. This story represents his heart and love for people. It was 1989 when I finally sent a resume to that quirky looking couple in Skin Diver Magazine. Eva with her sweet smile and Alan with his mouth wide open as if someone grabbed him from behind. (Something like that did occur) It became their trademark with the slogan, "Would you trust these people to give you the dive of a lifetime?" In smaller letters subtitled it said, "Since 1969 over 32,589 divers have." Of course some of you know the rest of the story, I sent them my resume and photo with the same expression as Alan with a cover letter that said, "Would you trust this person to work for you?" Underneath I said, "Many have and were completely satisfied." Needless to say I did join Alan & Eva at "Baskin in the Sun" back in 1989 and have bonded with them. They captured my heart on the day I arrived in Tortola (British Virgin Islands) and was met by Alan & Eva at the ferry dock. We only had pictures to exchange previously but recognized one another instantly. Alan said he didn't realize I was so short. :-) and then he chuckled. What blew my mind was the ride back to his house where I would stay a month living with them getting settled back in the islands. Eva told me that Alan had gotten out of the hospital that day and apparently had another asthmatic attack where his heart stopped. Alan died that day and was revived once again with CPR. And now.....he was meeting me at the ferry dock minutes after being discharged from the hospital. I said "WHY in the world would you do this?" His answer was gentle and simplistic. He only said, "Because I promised I would meet you here today." It was then I realized how special these two people would be and how fortunate I was to have crossed paths. So, Alan has died several times in his life and was always revived. Guess God had some plans for him and his time just wasn't up. I hope and pray he is revived again....on a physical & spiritual level. Nevertheless, I will let you know when I am leaving for Miami and what day I will be at his side. I have no doubt that the adversary will try to thwart this effort. I also have no doubts that God will intervene and make it available for you to participate in this group prayer chain. Thank you for your love and support. With Love in Christ, Lori Ann Cuda T-Shirt Alan used to wear a t shirt with a big Barracuda that said TRUST ME. I always got a chuckle from that! Don't know if anyone has a picture of it, but it is a mental image of him that makes things lighter. Kindly, Lori "This is the best time of my life... right now. What a blessing. I could have been run down by a crazy taxi driver years ago while we lived in Haiti and not had this wonderful time to be with so many loved ones. I am planning my memorial, which is going to be really a fun time. The song I have selected is, of course, Sinatra's 'I did it My Way.' "I am totally at peace with this thing, and feel a contentment never felt before. I've done everything I've ever wanted to do. There are no loose ends. At 70 years I have lived enough for any 5 other guys. I am Happy, Happy, Happy, and I look on this thing as new kind of Birthday. Please be happy with me."
- Alan Baskin, August 1999
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