My brother Alan - Mary Ellen Kaufman

My brother Alan: 

     Alan had a good memory and a very mathematical mind.  My sister, Miriam, and I called him every week at his assisted living facility.  One time we reminisced about people who attended our church in Nappanee, Indiana, when we were teenagers.  We talked about an older gentleman, Jerome Birkey, who drove an old car and raced the motor as he drove out of the church driveway.  Alan said, "His license plate number was ______."  He knew the license plate number of people who drove into the parking lot and could tell you the number immediately.  It seemed an effortless skill for him.  The license plate number was more pertinent than the type of car they were driving.

     He was a good brother.  When he made return trips to Indiana, many days were spent visiting people he knew especially relatives. Geneology as important to him.  He was compassionate and liked to help people.  When he talked about his experiences in Vietnam, often times he would "tear up" and found it difficult to talk.  He revisited Vietnam several times.  

     On his last visit to Indiana,I asked him if there was anything we could do for him.  He said, "Just take my Parkinsons away."  This is the only time I heard hm complain about his disability.  What a tribute to him after having Parkinsons for 37 years.

     His sister, Mary Ellen Kaufman