The Ship

I am standing upon the seashore. 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, and I stand and watch her until at length she is only a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky meet and mingle with each other,Then someone at my side exclaims,,"There, she's gone!"
Gone, where? Gone from my sight, that is all. She is just as large in hull and mast and spar as she was when she left my side, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of her destination. Her diminished size is in me, not her.
And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "She's gone," there are other eyes watching for her coming and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, "There, she comes!"
And that is dying...may you take the step softly to the other side,,and know we weep for us ,,,a good person ,,bids us stay awhile longer ,,,,we meet ,,soon,,
with upmost respect
Tovah



your Pancreas Cancer

Alan, I just read about you on the John Hopkins Web Page. If you have never accessed this sight it can be found at http://path.jhu.edu/pancreas . There is much info in the
chat room and the bio pages that show that some people do beat this thing.
When I read inoperable in your message, it convinced me to write to you. My wife has an inoperable PC because it surrounds a blood vessel. We found Staten Island University Hospital on the web. They specialize in inops.
They can be found at http://www.siuh.edu/radoncology .
They were able to kill the original tumor with their intense radiation. My wife is in chemo now as the cells had spread before her treatment.
Please don't give up hope but do lead a good life whether it is 10 days, months or years.
Wishing you the best,
Bob and Barbara Brown (bobbrown@lcc.net)



dear alan

just read your web page, and i don't know how sick you are at the moment, but you don't have to die of cancer. someone that has so many friends should stick around for a while. did you ever hear about the macrobiotic diet??, well my husband also has cancer, for the second time, the 1st time 1985, they just cut the tumor out, and did a colostomy. this time he had radiation, with some chemo to help. last march he was at his lowest point and we thought he was surely on his way out, but i wasn't done with him yet.i had cut a piece out of the paper years ago about macrobiotics, and asked if he would be willing to try it . he said he didn't have anything to lose, well he's still not 100% but he has made so many improvements it is really unbelieveable. in mar. he couldn't get out of bed without taling his morphine elixir, now when he wakes up he gets up and goes. the kushi institute inBecket, MASS. IS THE PLACE, since you are online you can find out about it at http://www.macrobiotics.org/faulkner.html----ually go on excite, click health, then under tools click health web sites then diet & nutrition scroll down to macrobiotics. it is a japanese diet, mostly brown rice, beans, sea veggies ( which should appeal to you). it seems like a hard diet to follow but when you get used yo it it isn't so bad. i follow the same diet . i have nothing to do with the institute but i firmly believe in this diet and i think it can help heal cancer. if you can go there they will prescribe a diet for your problem. we can't afford to go so we bought a book, THE CANCER PREVENTION DIET BOOK, and have been stumbling through it on our own. lots of luck to you which ever path you choose to follow. i'm sure when you meet himself up there you will charm him the way you charmed everyone around you down here. Barb



Hello from Lincoln, NE

We read an article in our local newspaper, the Lincoln Journal Star, regarding your friends tribute to you. My name is Renee Langan and I am a student here in Lincoln. My friend, Ed Boyd, is 32 and is a graduate from the University. Ed knows just how important living each day to the fullest can be, as he had a diving accident in '85 which left him paralyzed from his shoulders down. We just wanted to wish you, as well as your family and friends, much peace and happiness.
Enjoy your next great adventure -
Renee and Ed



G-d be with you

Mr. Baskin. I lost both my mother and my father to Pancreatic Cancer. My dad died 21 years ago. My Mom just two years ago. In that 19 year span, almost no advances were made in diagnosing and treating this disease. I am sorry to hear of your illness. Too many people have suffered from it. Your attitude is great and you have lived a good productive life. I grieve for those much younger than you who never get to see their children grow up. In February of 1999 some of us who met over the internet chatboards banded together to set up a charitable organization called PanCAN which stands for Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Our goal is to find a cure and an early detection method for Pancreatic Cancer. I invite all Alan's friends and family as well as Alan to look at our website at http://www.pancan.org We are having our second annual (we had our first before we incorporated) Evening With The Stars in Beverly Hills California on November 7th at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Our membership comes from all over the US, Canada and other countries. I live in New Jersey but our offices are in California and Washington D.C. We have one thing in common. Many of us are "survivors", caretakers, former caretakers, family and friends of Pancreatic Cancer victims. Unfortunately, you Alan are in good company. Marc Lustgarten, the CEO of Madison Square Garden just succumbed after a 16 month battle with the disease. Michael Landon, Fernando Lamas, Rex Harrison, Paul Mitchell, Henry Mancini, Jack Benny, Juliette Prose, Mary Martin and Donna Reed all traveled the road you are now unfortunately on. When will it stop? Only when research funds for Pancreatic Cancer increase enough to jump start the search for the cure. Please check out http://www.pancan.com and join us in Beverly Hills if you can. Survivors come for free.
G-d Bless You.
Jacki Naznitsky
jandiart@msn.com




1975, '76

We enjoyed such a small window in your life during your stay in the Dominican Republic and have wonderful memories of each adventure. You're always just a few steps ahead of everyone else with the joys of each experience. What a challenge you present to everyone. We love you for it. Thinking of you and yours in your present journey. Love, Bill & Sue Janssen, Sebastopol, CA whjanssen@aol.com



Blessings to you and your family!

I read about you today in the paper and tears came remembering this past year and the death of my 72 year old father of pancreatic cancer. There are many good things about knowing death is coming soon and close. You get to tell your loved ones goodbye and they the same to you. You can get things in order and have a real peace. I miss Daddy terribly and think of him daily. But Daddy showed me how to die and I no longer fear death. Hospice was so wonderful for him and for us. They showed us the way to die. I saw many incredible things during this difficult time. I know someone (or many) came to show Daddy the way...I saw it with my own eyes. I told him I would be looking for him one day to show me the way. I know I'll see him again. Daddy came out a coma to tell us he was going on a long trip and he loved each of us and goodbye. It was the best gift he could ever have given us. It was so very powerful. We cherish those moments. I pray your journey is wonderful. Melissa Smith



Your Way ,,,

Dear Alan ,,,I call you by your first name because I feel you like that ,,There are few people in this world I admire ,,I have add you to the list ,,,simply because ,,you are ,,,,you have been but 70 years on this earth,,but you have touched many lives ,,with your honesty,,your zest for what comes ,,and to show us how to move to the next level with dignity ,,and humor ,,,there is a book out ,,called ," We never die" ,,by George Anderson ,,it is a great book ,,so ,,Alan ,,good luck ,,easy on the step over ,,being seeing ya on the other side ,,Here's looking at you kid ,,with love ,Tovah



Money Pollack

Hi Alan!

My memories of us and affection for you go back to Bainbridge Rd. When three young boys ( Sunny, Money and Alan ) learned that Gunpowder, Cadillacs and Maids don't mix!!!! Only the three of us can look back on these unforgetable times that will be precious to us forever!!

After 55 years, my thanks to Bootsie for finding me and bringing us together again. Bootsie and I have bonded and will continue our new found freindship!!

Alan, thanks for being you and G_d bless you!!

"Money"



GOD"S BLESSINGS

Dear Mr. Baskin I just read about you in my local newspaper. I live in New Jersey. I just had to write and tell you that you sound just like my dear husband who died of pancreatic cancer on June 17 1999. He to was a very strong man and never felt sorry for himself. He tried different types of chemo even tried a clinical trial nothing helped but he thought it might help others thats the kind of man he was.He was only 64. He enjoyed hunting and fishing so thats what he did as long as possible. He never was bed ridden and we all thank God so much for this. He was a dairy farmer. Loved the animals and the land as you with the sea. God bless you and yours and keep your way of life as normal as you can . Some day please when you meet my husband Carl tell him his wife and children and grandchilden miss him so much. Don't ever forget God is beside you always. Blessings to you Marion



Found Remembrances

Dearest Alan & Eva,

When you were first promoting Punta Cana, I was amoung a group of dive shop owners who were invited to come down for a look-see. I have many fond memories of that trip and meeting you and Eva. Some of the most beautiful diving with fantastic coral formations rising up from the sea floor with caverns and caves. The surprising comfort of diving out of the big Zodiac. The calm serenity of Eva as our guide. A crazy out of control ride down a hill I took on a wild horse named Diablo! Dancing in the club room & lying in a hammock enjoying the breeze off the sea. As I sit here writing to you, there are a few bronze ship pins from Punta Cana sitting on my porch, a touch of reality in what is now just a wonderful memory.

I sold my shop, Under-Sea World, in Ft. Pierce in 1980 and returned to computer work which I still do today at the University of Florida. As I have reflected back many times to my seven years with the dive shop and the many trips to various places, you and Eva and Punta Cana are trapped in time in that place we call the mind, and there dear Alan you and Eva will always be young and full of life as we all were at the time!

God speed to you on your new adventure into that dimension that we shall all travel, may you have smooth sailing with the wind at your back! May we all dive together again in that blissful place!

Love to you both,

Pete Kearney
pjk@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu



The Moses of love and beauty

You parted the waters and allowed the freeflowing avenues of love and beauty take us to exquisite places.
You loved us all so much, gave us so much . Enveloping us with your warmth and laughter, splashing us with the golden glow of a summer's sunset on the surf. And to dive withyou and Eva into the silent worlds of sparkling light and to surface with the same light imbedded in your shining hearts.To zip around Grenada, Dominican Republic, Haiti, in the zodiac, feeling total irreverance to life's systems, rules,and societies singing in unison with you
"Oh What a beautiful Morning>>>>Everything's going my way!"
Rochelle ohrochelle.aol.com




rev lee 37@ aol.com

HI MR ALAN LOOK,S LIKE YOU HAD A COOL LIFE.PEACE AND GOD BLESS, YOU LOVE YOUR PIC , BYE MR ALAN BASKIN ,,,,,,



Regards from Lenny Panisch

Dear Alan and Eva, My wife and I are deeply distressed by your predicament. The sadness is lessened only by the fondest recollection of our friendship and by the grace and dignity in which you face your situation. I've been out of the dive business a while now spending my time writing and teaching at Opa Locka Elementary in Miami. Of all the People I met in diving you are by far the classiest and most honorable human to ever don a mask and snorkel. I will always treasure our friendship, especially the times at Kaliko Beach. Your passing will be a great loss felt throughout the world and by every creature in the sea. We salute a truly beautiful person, a fabulous diver and the most noble of souls.
With my deepest love, Lenny Panisch
P.S. You and Eva are cordially invited to my youngest daughter, Chelsey's Bat Mitzvah October 9th at 10:30 AM at Temple Sinai in North Miami Beach. See you there!
PPS. Just in case you can't make it I will say an Aliyah in your honor.
Lenny




I SHARE MY PAIN WITH YOU

DEAR ALAN,

I READ YOUR STORY IN THE MIAMI HERALD . I WISH YOU A PEACEFUL AND PAINLESS PASSING. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU. I NEED TO ASK YOU TO BRING A MESSAGE TO MY HUSBAND, HE, LIKE YOU, LOVED SO MUCH THE OCEAN AND THE THRILL OF SCUBA DIVING. HE LOVED IT SO MUCH THAT HE LOST HIS LIFE SATURDAY SEPTEMBER THE 11TH, WHILE DIVING. HIS STORY IS ALSO IN THE MIAMI HERALD OF SEPTEMBER THE 17TH, IN THE LOCAL SECTION. MY PAIN IS HORRIBLE AND ALSO MY SONS', DAVID(27) AND MILTON(24). I WANT TO MAKE SOME SENSE OF HIS LOSS. WE HAD SO MANY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE! HE WAS SO YOUNG (54). PLEASE LOOK FOR HIM ON THE OTHER SIDE. ASK HIM TO SEND ME A SIGNAL, TO AFFIRM THAT HE KNOWS WE ARE GOING TO BE OK WITHOUT HIM. AND THAT HE DIDN'T SUFFER AT THE END, AND THAT HIS TIME TO DEPART WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THAT DAY. WE ARE GOING TO TAKE HIS ASHES TO THE OCEAN IN THE NEAR FUTURE. I WANT HIM TO BE WITH ALL OF THE WONDERFUL CREATURES OF THAT VAST WORLD WHICH HE LOVED TO PHOTOGRAPH AND SWIM WITH. HE WAS AT THE TOP OF HIS EXISTENCE. EVERYTHING IN HIS WORLD WAS IN PLACE AND IN ORDER, AND HE WAS ENJOYING HIS LIFE FULLY. HE BELONGED TO THE "DIGA" DIVE CLUB AND HAS BEEN DIVING SINCE 1992. HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO TAKING THE MASTERS COURSE, THE ONLY ONE MISSING FROM HIS CERTIFICATIONS. WE LOVED HIM SO MUCH AND WE WILL MISS HIM FOREVER, AS I'M SURE YOU WILL BE MISSED. HE WAS A GREAT HUMAN BEING FULL OF COMPASSION, AND VERY HUMBLE, SINCERE, HONEST, AND CARING. HE WAS VERY LOVED BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS. HE TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES, IN SO MANY WONDERFUL WAYS! SO DEAR ALAN, WHEN YOU ARRIVE THERE, HE WILL BE YOUR FRIEND TOO. WHAT MANY WONDERFUL CONVERSATIONS YOU WILL HAVE TOGETHER. YOU SHARE THE SAME ENJOYMENT FOR THE OCEAN AND EVERYTHING THAT IS THERE. SO LONG, BE STRONG, HAVE FAITH, AND KEEP HOLD OF THE LORDS HAND. HE WILL CARRY YOU WITH HIM AS IF YOU WHERE A SMALL CHILD, AND HE WILL TAKE YOU HOME. YOU WILL BE HAPPY FOR ETERNITY.

LOVE,
CARMEN ARELLANO



Thoughts

Howdy Alan. Alan, I am happy you are happy. The tails of Gert are blowing through here at the moment. I was wondering why the sun disappeared. Then it may travel by you. It will carry what I feel and with all you know about mind and body (Better, better and better) you will receive them on the winds. Thank you for keeping our appointment in this life. Your infectious joy was an antidote to the stuff one experiences in Tortola. You've given both of us smiles in the life you chose to live. I haven't told Clem I was writing you. I'll let him know and send his messages. After all, I'm the computer expert and he's only just a very intelligent guy who is about to receive his Ph.D. I love you.

Allison




Greetings from Brigitte

Ich wünsche von ganzem Herzen, dass du, lieber Alan, eine schöne und innige Zeit mit Deinen Lieben verbringen wirst.
Ich werde für dich die buddhistische Meditation des Mitgefühls machen und dir meine liebe und hingabe bringen. Sicher erreichen dich meine Gedanken und guten Wünsche und helfen dir in Zeiten großer Schmerzen. Wenn du gut vorbereitet bist, fällt das Abschiednehmen sicher noch schwer genug, aber nicht mehr so schwer:
"Für die Zukunft planen
gleicht dem Fischen in einem trockenen Loch;
nie läuft etwas, wie du es dir wünscht,
also gib all dein ehrgeiziges Planen auf.
Wenn du unbedingt an etwas denken mußt,
dann denk an die Ungewißheit deiner Todesstunde."

SugyalRinpoche

Alle guten Wünsche für noch viele wertvolle, sinnvolle und reiche Incarnationen!

loder-muenchen@t-online.de



Hello and Goodbye

It's wonderful that you're so happy, you must believe in reincarnation. I never heard of you but since I found out about your love for the sea I had to say something to you. Maybe you'll bump into Cousteau! We're just dust in the wind.............Elaine elainegarland@webtv.net



Dominican Republic friends again

Hi Alan and Eva,( Naomi, Mike and Chris too )
24 years ago I took the dive course at Aqua Ventures. Last week I was diving in Hollywood FL. For that and every dive in between I thank Alan. I would love to hear from you!
I live in North Bay Village, FL. My phone number is 305
751-2487.
Vaya con Dios,amigo,
John Weiss




GOD BLESS YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU

This is an example for many people that got scare when the doctor tell them that they has cancer, Alan Baskin is teaching the people that we are temporary in this world.

GOD TAKE CARE OF YOU ALAN

I NEVER KNOW YOU UNTIL NOW, BUT I KNOW YOU ARE A GREAT MAN. GOD BLESS YOU AND TAKE CARE OF YOU ....BYE ....LOVE YOU....

LOVE MARGARITA NEGRON



Some Saturday Humor

Alan -

Here's a joke for you today. Enjoy!:


An Irishman walks into a bar in Dublin, orders three pints of Guinness and sits in the back of the room, drinking a sip out of each one in turn. When he finishes them, he comes back to the bar and orders three more.
The bartender asks him, "You know, a pint goes flat after I draw it; it would taste better if you bought one at a time."

The Irishman replies, "Well, you see, I have two brothers. One is in America, the other in Australia, and I'm here in Dublin. When we all left home, we promised that we'd drink this way to remember the days when we drank together."

The bartender admits that this is a nice custom, and leaves it there.

The Irishman becomes a regular in the bar, and always drinks the same way: He orders three pints and drinks them in turn.

One day, he comes in and orders two pints. All the other regulars notice and fall silent.

When he comes back to the bar for the second round, the bartender says, "I > don't want to intrude on your grief, but I wanted to offer my condolences on your great loss."

The Irishman looks confused for a moment, then a light dawns in his eye and he laughs. "Oh, no," he, says, "everyone's fine. I've just quit drinking."


Alan, that's all for today.

Thinking of you,

Lowell




TO ALAN & EVA, IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME AND A LOT OF OCEAN.

It has been almost 10 years since I was last in the BVI's, back when you were the subject of some of my most favorite Skin Diver stories. I was just in Tortola last week to do another piece for the magazine during the miserable weather from Floyd. After arriving, I went immediatley over to see Jim & Odile asking about you and Eva. I was hoping to visit with you and Eva, but sadly you two were in Miami. I so much wanted to see you guys again.

Life has not changed alot for me. I am still a traveling photographer, but not as free spirited. I am now a responsible father of identical twin boys who seem to enjoy their fathers passion for the ocean.

You have always been a caring and thoughtful person, but having this web site to give all those who love you the opportunity to say hello and goodby one more time is perhaps the most thougtful and generous gift you could have given us.

I will not shed a tear in sadness, but ones in laughter for the many good times you showed me and being the silly subject of my camera lens.

Eva, you are strong, I love you both.

Greg Johnston & his two tadpoles, Shane & Cole.





May I come to visit?

Dear Alan and Eva,

When my computer crashed I lost your email address and emailed others who might have it, none did. Just the other day out of the blue, an email came in from Harry and in the paper was the article about you and your wonderful web site. And I recognized your wonderful smile, Alan!

Since I am here in Miami, I would love to come and visit with you both, may I? I certainly hope so.

Phone is 305/266-3350 but right now until Monday or Tuesday ,9/20,I am at my sister's. Her number is 954-473-2560.

Much love and affection,
Joanie
joanparker@juno.com OR
housemom@att.net







To Alan with Love,

Alan,
Thank you for making Tortola your home. We all love you and will miss you. Go in peace may God bless you.


Laurel Ross



You're a Wonderful Man

Dear Alan, I don't know you but I read about you in the Miami Herald,Yesterday. Today I read your memorials. You are a wonderful man. May the Lord bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand. I will pray for you everyday for strenght and recovery and if not, a beautiful journey to our Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Loves You and so do I ,Nel



UPLIFTING

I read your article in the bradenton herald today and find it UPLIFTING.My mother has been diagnosed with Lung Cancer at age 56.Your article has made my day feel a little better with acceptance.Oh Yeh beautiful pictures.Meet you at the top some day. THANK YOU Bill O Connor



Time...

Doctor to cancer patient; I'm sorry to tell you this..but, you have an untreatable type of cancer and you only have 6 months to live.

Patient: Oh, my god, Doc! Is there anything I can do to extend my life?

Doctor: Well...you can move to North Dakota, marry an opinionated, domineering woman, and tell the IRS you've been cheating on your taxes for the last 10 years.

Patient: I don't understand, how's that gonna extend my life?

Doctor: It won't. But 6 months will definetly seem a lot longer.



Found Friends from the Dom. Rep.

We found you through the article in the Herald. Mike and my brother John were friends in the Dominican Republic. You introduced our entire family to diving and we still love it! Thank you for this gift. The Weiss Family, Louis, John, Dawn and Sonja (who is now married and a Haught not a Weiss)



Remembering our night at the Magic Castle

Alan -

Although our paths crossed only a few times, I have to tell you how much I enjoyed getting to know you when you and Eva visited Los Angeles last year.

For over thirty years, I've shared the Magic Castle in Hollywood with many guests, but I especially remember your visit and your reaction...the "little boy" in you was filed with enthusiasm and wonder, attributes that I know have served you well throughout your life. I'm glad to have participated in your joy that evening. I'll remember it forever.

I know that when times have been rough for me, I've always found that the gift of humor has seen me through. With that in mind, I'd thought I'd lend along some of the many jokes I've been collecting (mostly over the Internet).

Of course, humor is a strange thing...what I think is funny, others do not. So...be forewarned...some of these are a little off-color, others are not.

Because there are so many of them, I've decided to "parcel them out" to you. I'll send them in batches...a few at a time.

ENJOY!!

Best Wishes,

Lowell Fox
______________________
A middle-aged woman has a heart attack and is taken to the hospital. while on the operating table she has a near death experience. During that experience she sees God and asks if this is it. god says no and explains that she another 30-40 years to live.

Upon her recovery she decides to just stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, etc. She even has someone come in and change her hair color. She figures since she's got another 30 to 40 years she might as well make the most of it.

She walks out of the hospital after the last operation and is killed by an ambulance speeding up to the hospital.

She arrives in front of God and asks, "I thought you said I had another 30-40 years?"

God replies, "I didn't recognize you."

_______________________

Alan, that's all for tonight. More to come.

Take care.

Lowell




Miss you All

Dear Alan,Eva, Michael, :
I love you all and am very grateful to have had the opportunity to be with you.
Alan: My guide, my friend, my family that I have known before, Iam so very glad for the time that we shared. I will NEVER forget your opened arm welcome. We will not say good bye, just let's plan to see each other again but sooner next time.
Touch is more important to me than words. Know that you have truly touched my heart! I will always love you. Thank you for your heart in return. Your heart has no limit. I LOVE YOU!
Eva: Thank you for your kindness and grace. You are a pillar with a soft heart. Please know that Alan always said that you were the BEST thing to ever happen for him. I will look forward to the many years ahead that we have to share together. Many long nites talking by moonlight. Thank you for being secure enough to share Alan with us. It is a very generous gift that you have given and I know that we all are grateful to you.
Michael: I apologize for any discomfort that we felt. Thank you for all that you have done to help Alan to have a peaceful time. He has told me so many times how proud he is of you. You have brought great joy and pride into his life.
Kit and I have posted the wonderful photo of Alan and Kit on the roller coaster. We hope that you saw, and enjoyed it. Thank you for forwarding the article from the newspaper. Roberta called and I am looking forward to our new friendship. She is so very wonderful to have connected.
We must all be filled with love and expectation, as is Alan, for he is truly a role model in life and in death.
Love,
Sue Klebanoff Taylor



Grandpoo

Dear Grandpoo,
I love you and miss you so much.
You‘re the best grandpa in the world.
I'm sorry you and I haven't seen each other in awhile.
I went to Da Loose Mongoose for breakfast. I thought of you the whole way through.
Tortola wasn't the same without you.
I'm so glad you were the first to teach me scuba diving.
When I'm certified it will be for you.
Thank you for everything you taught and showed me. It was the most magical experience in my life and without you I would have never had it!
I will always have you in my heart.
I'm sooooooo sure I will see you again in another life.
I know your spirit will always be with us.
I hope you are going to be my guardian angel.
I love you so much!

Love, Chelsea Trengrove



Courageous

I HOPE THE DAY I KICK THE BUCKET, I AM AS BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS AS YOU. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY TO THE
OTHER WORLD.

MIKE



Alan and Eve - Our Friends!

George and I have enjoyed reading the messages to you. We find the tales about you buying our business very interesting and fun...smile.... In a way, we gave each other new life. As you moved away from Haiti to begin again on Tortola, you allowed us to move back to Texas and start over with new jobs and new lives. It has worked out so well for all of us - and we will always be thankful to you for your part. You and Eva were very kind and loving to us during a very difficult transition.

We are with you in spirit. As we sit here and watch the new s about the senseless killings in our neighborhood we rejoice in the fact that in and around all of the crazies - are people like you and Eva. Loving, caring, fun and ready to enjoy life to the fullest.

As the song says, "May God raise you up on eagles wings, bear you on the breath of dawn - make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of God's hand."

Our love always!


George and Luana Marler
Aquatic Centers 1997-1985
gmarler@swbell.net



Knowledge by Association


Alan-- Although we never met personally, I knew much about you through my many years with the Stewarts-- Mike, Judi and Richard, working with them on their magazines. They always told me about you and Eva and their times with you in Haiti and my (then) wife and I (Mike and Richard's mother) tried to see you on Tortola in 1986, but you were not there when we came.

You have always been an icon in the dive business and we are proud to at least have known of you and your efforts to promote what is one of the best industries in the world. You will be missed and I, personally, am sorry that I did not get to meet you personally.

God Bless Gene Clements
ScubaGear, Inc.

sgearinc@aol.com



Ben

Ben's address:
bentelson@aol.com



Haiti

Yes Alan,
You could have died in Haiti and I would not have known.You decided to come here in oder to make it sound like a joke. I like this idea (no patent).
This is Bernard from Haiti;Roland Theodore's nephew.

Your family is whith you; That helps.
You are a strong man; good luck.
Ben.



You Radiate Peace and Harmony

I am a baby boomer who has recently been contemplating what is next, what is waiting for us when we leave this world. The calm, beautiful attitude you exhibit as you face the next step is an inspiration for us all. It is reassuring to know that a sense of peace, as you are showing the world, can be felt at such a critical point in one's life. May your transition be a fulfilling one.

MAFTL@aol.com



REMEMBER BETTER WORLD INSTITUTE!!

Alan: I remember you when you were with Naomi, living in Kendall. I was married to Mickey Leff, murdered in 1980. I remember all of our interesting chats sitting around smoking the hooka, laughing making sense of it all.

I am living in Miami with my 2 cats, my sons are grown as yours are. I talked with Naomi when she was last here. I just want to wish you a happy,peaceful journey. God knows you will be in a better place.
bless you always.
Fondly,
Susan N. Leff



Alan,A short message for ya..........

Alan me old mate thought I would throw a small poem I wrote your way.



Scales of Musical desire.

Chasing down those rainbows, awash in such a sea
I cling so, unharmoniously, to my musical spirit.
I see, yet what do I sing, as the boat is so awash
with the thoughts of peril, yet such seamans faith.
We cannot sink,says the Capitaine, we are not full.
Of what,I ask myself, so blind in trust ?
Is the heavy weight of you so blind to not see.
Air becomes water as far as I can see.
It is then that I know why the ultimate mix
is shown only to those that sail at sea.
To breathe such perfect semblance of desire
is like the clouds deciding not today.
To sail in the mix of the unknown few
to fully take in the becoming state
the ultimate magnate from on high
the password,the only known gateway
to the heaven above.
Try live like a fish
and breath like one.


Written in Trellis Bay by Jeremy. 30th Jan 1998.22.00hrs.






Small Words Of Praise

Dear Mr.Baskin

My name is Luis,I picked up the paper this morning as a
coinsedence and ran into an article about you.I like diving and am certified, yet I do not get to do it as much as I would like.In reading the article this morning I found myself stopping to think.You as a person must be completly at peace with yourself,you are also at peace with what is to come.I took time to ask some people about you,and have concluded; that you had a passion for what you did and where happy as you did it.I Mr.Baskin admire your courage,strength and outlook.I wish that I can some day have all of those.Altough we have not met you have sparked something inside of me.I only wish I would have had the honor of meeting such a great man and humanbieng.
I wish you the best in days to come, now with us and later
without.
Sincerely Yours,

Luis M. Garcia
(AGE 23)




To Alan from Rena

As a Cancer survivor, I am so touched with your story. I hope when the time comes, I will have your courage. I am 67 and also feel very blessed with all that I have and for my beautiful family. God Bless You for sharing this with all of us.



TO A SUN PERSON

ALAN I AM A SUN PERSON TOO. I SAW YOUR ARTICAL IN THE PAPER AND WAS TOUCHED. SUN PEOPLE LIVE ,THEY LIVE FOR TODAY ,AND FOR TOMORROW.WE ARE GIVIN THIS LIFE AND ITS UP TO US TO USE IT. ITS LIKE A FULL 80 CU TANK. WORST THING IS TO NOT USE IT AND LET GO STALE.. ALAN MY HATS OFF TO YOU GOD BLESS YOU AND MAY YOU ALWAYS USE ALL OF YOUR AIR.... DUSKY 78@AOL.COM



Rare Courage

Alan, what a beautiful life you have lived. Everyone should have the courage you are displaying, so much at ease with the world and with yourself. It almost feels to me like you have been here before. You are showing all of us who remain behind, how to take the high road to where ever it leads.
Au Revoir

Stanley D. Miller



Well Done Alan

You having spent much of your life in the nautical world understand the Navy commendation -

WELL DONE SIR

Bob Tabor



BUDDHA'S BEST WISHES

Dear Mr. Baskin: I too read about you in the Miami Herald, and marvel that you have made so many friends. I am older than you but doubt that many will eulogize me as they have you. I write and have authored a book, TO PLEASE A CHINESE WIFE, but it seems to me that she is one of the few persons that I have actually pleased whereas you have pleased so many. I wish you the continued happiness that you express, and Lee, my wife, says: May Buddha smile on you forever. Edward Frey.




LAST NOTE TO A BELOVED FRIEND

Where do you start writing about Alan Baskin? He is so many things to so many people, and now that we are forced to reflect, he is so many things to us too.
The first thing he is, is half of Alan and Eva. For all the many years we have known and loved them, they have been inseparable, alway a team, always energized by each other, and by everybody else. It is not easy for any of us to let him go, but we must know how much harder it is for Eva.
Please hold Eva in love.
Alan and Eva were our closest friends back in our Haitian Island days when we shared the sea and watrched the stars set together.
I always joked that Alan Baskin was the only person I knew who could emerge from a really bad dive, pull off his mask to reveal a huge Cheshire cat smile, and say, “ WOW!, That was the greatest dive of my entire life” and mean it!
Alan loved life, and his life especially. He devoured the good times and he handled the bad, most times, very gracefully. He is still doing that, lying on his deathbed, smiling peacefully at the myriads of friends who have streamed in from everywhere to see him, and to say goodbye.
He is reassuring everyone that he is at peace with both his life and the process of death, and I know he is.
Alan’s body is now too tired and ill to remain with us long, but his spirit is incredibly alive, and living in all of us who know and love him. He will go on to live in a legend of a man who really did, “do it his way”.
Alan, we love you. Peaceful journey, dear friend, see you on the other side.
....and Alan, very important; Remember not to ascend faster than your bubbles.

Stephen and MarBeth,
Shanna and Chelsea,
Dunn



Message Received!

Your constant smile, the outpouring of love and respect around you and the message you leave us will touch many more than you could imagine. My father has leukemia and I struggle everyday with his eventual passing. Your story has touched me in a manner that I can now see the benefits of a life rather than just an impending death.
I commend your life and only regret the fact that I was never lucky enough to actually meet you.... but have found now that I have known you all my life in the father I have now.
Your message has been received loud and clear.
JL Robinette
Son of AJ Robinette

PS: If you have the notion to sell your T-shirts over the Internet... count me in. Basking in the Sun will have a new meaning now and will forever be my goal.



Thank You

Dear Alan,
I lost My daughter 2 years ago in an auto accident at the age of 20,,,Please ,please look after her,,, you are the ideal person to do this,,, you are the epitomy of hope, love and inspiration,,,,,Please say hello to her and tell her I love her,,,,May God take care of both of you..I know I will see you both someday,,,,,,Thank you for your inspiration and hope........Pam Hubbard

PS...Her Name is Jill,,, tell her I love her and miss her
















An honor

Alan, what an honor we have here to be able to speak to you. I know you must have been a remarkable person, to have such friends as to do this in your honor. That it is shared with those of us who did not have the fortune to know you speaks more eloquently of you as a man, as a friend, than the more carefully prepared eulogy ever could.

I envy you, for your life has been one I would have loved to have had, but when I was a younger man, I did not know such lives truly could be made. I do know so now, and am working toward that life, loosening the bonds which tie me to the midwest.

If I succeed in being able to live that life, Alan, a piece will be from the inspiration gained from your story.

Indeed, I shall be in Miami next week, visiting my daughter who is in college there. I am sincerely not asking, but I will say that if I did have the chance to meet you, I would be deeply honored. (And, again, this is *not* a backdoor request to do so.) However, I do know it is not possible, so, as I show my wife SoBe in its beauty and excitement, I shall merely know I will be near you, and will hold you in my heart.

Godspeed, Alan. May you be free to explore the seas for eternity.

David in St. Louis
dblair1@netscape.net



YOUR STRENGTH SHOULD BE ADDICTIVE

Dear Alan,

I admire your strength and share your belief in living each day as the last. If you had not lived in the past, you would go to any length to try to live your future. That's why it's so important for everyone to realize that in life
what matters is quality...not quantity. Although you have been blessed with 70 years, you have probably "lived" twice that much and regard the upcoming experience
as a new venture. I am 47 years old and often contemplate
my "travel plans" to a new beginning. If times become difficult for me at that point in my life I will think of you and lean on your strength. You do make a difference
when you truly live for you have left a mark on me for the rest of my life! I was taught that a person lives as long as the memory of his deeds lives. In my mind you will live forever. Thank you, Alan....

Debbie Johnson



Just in Time

I read the article in the Herald this morning. I found your story to be the inspiration I needed during a very difficult time in my life. Yesterday was the 1 year anniversary of my 8 month old daughter's death. After a lovely memorial service for her with family and dear friends, my husband and I packed up for a long weekend alone on South Beach (we live in Miami).

On the way over, I bought the book Tuesdays with Morrie (my latest of many such books). I am desperately searching for a way to continue on with a productive and happy life in light of the loss of my sweet baby. Your story has given me one more example of how the human spirit can triumph!

No thought is more fearsome to me than becoming a bitter and closed off individual living a bleak and minimal life. I want to follow your lead and continue on with a joyous, hopeful outlook in spite of it all. While it is often easier said than done, I will try to recall your life lesson during my more difficult days. After reading the other entries, I wanted to add mine so that you would know that the way you have lived your life and faced your death will be an inspiration to one more person.

Amy in Miami






Saw the article in the newspaper today. really, really cool. I will be in Miami late the 24th. Does the mermaid want to get some ice cream then, or shall I bring some over? MUCH love, hh (e-mail mansion@erols.com)



Damn, Alan wins again!

Dear Alan: As long as I look both ways crossing the street, and don't engage in rigorous sex, it looks like you're goint to beat me to the next level. I imagine that you'll have resort style accomodations for me (not to exceed ten days) when I catch up with you. You gave me a place and purpose when I was a "problem" teenager digging a hole for myself in Chicago. I came to California to stay with you. Actually, I was paroled to the care and custody of the Rev. Alan Baskin. You'd think the Court would have said, "Wait a minute. Who's working this. Isn't Baskin a Jewish name?" Couple of Jewish homeboys fooled 'em. Now I'm a "problem" adult, a considerable upgrade. Thanks for trusting me, opening your home and your life to me, and believing in me. That's what is really important. I owe much of my continued interest in photography to you. You sold me (at a reasonable price) my first quality camera. I met fascinating people, to say the least, through my friendship with you. I went way over one hundred miles an hour in a Ferrari with you (way over). We sure did have fun! It was great to see you and Eva in L.A. last year (Jenny's Bat Mitzvah). Picked up right where we left off. So I guess this is goodbye for now. I join the hordes (No, I don't have a cold) in telling you that you will always be on my mind, and I look forward to meeting up with you on the next level. I'm sure you'll be mixed in with some successful enterprise, perhaps my law degree and/or my photographic talents in the area of erotica will be useful (Basically, you just stop a pretty girl on the street, convince her she has that special look, do a photo shoot, and...). Please don't be selling time shares. If spirit moves you, call me at (415) 928-1111 (San Francisco), or e-mail to: flodnew@pacbell.net Go in peace. I love you. Edward Savin












The Baskin Company

Alan,

You and I never got a chance to do any diving together, but I am sure you'll soon find some good spots where the waters are warm and clear.

Maybe we'll get a chance to do a little diving together next time around.

Via Con Dios-

Carl Dilley
President
Baskin In The Sun

I thought some of you might be interested in a little of the history of the company.

I am the current president of Baskin In The Sun, (the company the Alan started 30 years ago). It is still thriving business and carries Alan's name into the future as another child he brought into this world.

The Original Baskin In The Sun ("BITS") was founded in February of 1969 on the little known island of Grenada by Mr. Alan M. Baskin.

Grenada: From the establishment in 1969, the company enjoyed steady growth. In 1973, an unstable political environment prompted Alan Baskin to sell the existing business together with the dive boats and SCUBA equipment. The Baskin In The Sun name, however, was retained.

Dominican Republic: The second Baskin In The Sun operation opened in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in September of 1974. The business at that time consisted of a SCUBA store, a classroom for teaching courses and a single dive boat. This company was the first professional operation of its kind in the Dominican Republic and was a financial success.

In 1975 Alan sold his interest in the company, but again retained the corporate name. He formed a partnership with one of the original investors, Eva Cope, and opened his third dive operation, this time at the Punta Cana Hotel, a resort on the eastern shore of the Dominican Republic.

Baskin In The Sun was responsible for making the Punta Cana resort a successful diving destination. This success led to the sale of the hotel and dive operation to Club Med in the spring of 1977.

Haiti: In November of 1977 Baskin In The Sun opened for business in Haiti. This move came about for several reasons. First, there were no professional SCUBA diving operations in the country. Second, the Duvalier government exerted political stability and was interested in promoting tourism. Finally, it represented a challenge to be successful in Haiti.

The problems associated with establishing a viable business in Haiti were most certainly daunting. Haiti had a serious public relations problem and was therefore a difficult vacation spot to sell. Negative news reports seemed to appear in the media just before the winter season began. During the nine years that BITS was in operation in Haiti, more than fourteen similar dive businesses met with failure. Baskin In The Sun remained the only successful dive operator.

Unfortunately on February 7, 1985 the Haitian Revolution began. The airlines stopped flying; the tourists stopped coming. After nine years of Haitian success, it was necessary to relocate Baskin In The Sun to a location where it could again thrive.

British Virgin Islands: As a British colony, the BVI offered unquestioned political stability and, furthermore, it was already recognized as an outstanding diving location. Alan Baskin and Eva Cope purchased an existing business called Marler Industries, Ltd. (DBA Aquatic Centres) from George and Luana Marler in Road Town, Tortola, in April of 1986. This business had been operating in the BVI since 1971. However, it was clear that the company had been neglected and was in financial trouble. Management was ineffective and many of the company's assets had been depleted.

To capitalize on the Baskin In The Sun name, "Aquatic Centres" was dropped and a new corporation was formed under the name - BASKIN IN THE SUN, LTD. Most of the first year of business was spent restructuring the company and “Baskinizing” the operation. A small group of Investors, acquired Baskin in The Sun, Ltd. from Alan and Eva in 1993. Alan & Eva Baskin are now retired and have lived close by the Baskin operations on the Island of Tortola, where they remain as close friends and advisors to the current Baskin staff and management.


We'll do our best to make sure that the Baskin "Sun" shines long into the future.

The staff and management,


Baskin In The Sun



 
 
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