Alan Allert
The poodle kept her sight, her hearing, and her figure up to her quiet and dignified end. She knew that the Hand was upon her and she accepted it with a grave and unapprehensive resignation. This, her dark intelligent eyes seemed to be trying to tell me, is simply the closing of full circle, this is the flower that grows out of Beginning; this — not to make it too hard for you, friend — is as natural as eating the raspberries and raising the puppies and riding into the rain.
James Thurber, Memorial
The Scene: A group of friends sit at the window table at Booches.
[Annie sits next to Alan]: “Remember the time…”
[Alan sets down his beer, tugs at his ball cap, pulls on his nose, waves his hands,]: “Wait, wait, let me tell it.”
Tell it, we will.
Dr. J. Alan Allert, 64, a long-time educator, researcher, and former Executive Director of the Central Missouri Humane Society (CMHS) peacefully passed away at his home on January 10, 2014. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2014 at his home in Columbia, Missouri.
Alan was born on June 13, 1949 to Maxine and Bill Allert in San Antonio, Texas. Upon graduating from Robert E. Lee High School in San Antonio, he attended Texas A+M University where received his Bachelor of Science in 1971 and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1972. He was certified by the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners in 1972.
Alan began his professional career in Mason, Texas as a large-animal veterinarian, where he learned many life lessons while tending to the cattle of his close knit Hill Country town from 1972-1973. He received many a late night phone call asking him ‘To come quick, doc!’ before he heard the phone line click dead. He only knew what ranch gate to open by sound of his neighbor’s voice. After the birth of his two sons, he became a practitioner for a small animal private practice in San Antonio, Texas from 1973-1975. He was again greeted by a close-knit and colorful community which included exotic dancers and their coughing snakes (smoking was allowed in gentlemen’s clubs back then).
Following his interest for teaching and research, he accepted an Associate Professorship in the Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology Department at Texas A+M University in 1975 and became an Assistant Professor in 1977. Alan had a broad understanding of many subjects which allowed him to teach classes in Pharmacology, Physiology, and Surgery. He was the Faculty Sponsor of the Student Veterinary Medical Association; served on the College of Veterinary Medicine curriculum committee and was a Faculty Advisor for undergraduate and veterinary students. Alan was a valued and accomplished instructor and teacher. He was awarded numerous citations and awards, including the Texas A+M University Distinguished Teacher Award from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1984. His research included cardiovascular physiology, pharmacology, tissue implantation and biomaterials as prosthetic devices which he developed for Veterans of the Vietnam War.
In 1985, Alan moved to Columbia, Missouri to pursue his PhD in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. He continued to teach while pursuing his degree, expanding his teaching experience to include anatomy and histology. Alan ended his academic career in 1996 with a legacy of numerous publications, presentations and having helped many students to complete their degrees.
After leaving academia, Alan worked with the US Geological Survey Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) and as a private contractor. He volunteered for numerous researchers, eventually becoming the CERC’s Veterinary Biomedical Officer. He worked on numerous projects in California, the Great Lakes, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, and New Mexico, ending his time at CERC while working with pallid sturgeon in the Missouri River. After leaving formally in 2005, he worked as a private contractor helping US Fish and Wildlife Fish Biologists study stress hormones in pallid sturgeon used in their captive breeding program. He continued to publish until he finally retired a second time in 2007.
In 2009, Alan became Executive Director at CMHS. It was a position for which he was well suited and one which allowed him to use the skills he had developed as a veterinarian, teacher, and researcher. His accomplishments as the Executive Director included the completion of the Zootoo Renovations and improved relations with the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri and the local community. He was instrumental in the cooperative agreement between the Vet School and CHMS which allowed veterinary students to spay and neuter shelter animals. His time at the shelter saw several programs which used animals from the shelter grow, including “Walk A Hound, Lose a Pound” and a cooperative program pairing Armed Forces veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome with dogs from CHMS to learn basic obedience skills such as walking with a leash, sitting and staying to improve the dogs’ chances of adoption. He was most proud of his dedicated staff, as well as the many volunteers who work so hard to care for the abandoned animals of Central Missouri. It was with much sadness that he resigned his position due to the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2011.
Alan was a gifted teacher with a natural rapport that served him well as a mentor, whether a perennial favorite professor at the vet school or coach for his sons’ early sports teams. Alan’s hobbies were diverse, with a bent towards the outdoors as an overarching theme. As a younger man, he pursued hiking, camping, fishing and hunting with both gun and bow, caving and was an early advocate of SCUBA diving. Running, sailing, and photography were also favorites, as was guitar and slowly turning up the volume knob on the stereo. He was an accomplished wood worker, motorcyclist, and canoeist, frequently found working in his shop on projects for his home and work; getting motorcycles ready for a long-trip, or packing up gear to head south for the exploration of a cave or a float on a spring-fed stream. Alan had an exceptional eye for fruiting box-wine trees, often pointing them out to fellow floaters as they ready their campsite. Alan was generous with his time and knowledge, and could be counted on to help with any project, whether it was constructing scientific equipment for CERC, or helping a neighbor with home improvement. No project of Alan’s was ever known to fail for lack of screws, or lack of fun had while being attempted and a project’s success was gauged by the number of stories resulting.
Alan could be found at downtown Columbia beer joint Booches where burgers are ordered in trios when any new visitor came into town. Alan was at his best surrounded by people, with a beer in hand and an appreciative audience for all of his tall tales (stories?) he could liven up any party. He loved to dance and could make any lady look like a dancing star. Alan loved his family and friends, and was a quiet man with much to be proud of.
Alan never allowed his disease to limit his excitement or engagement with life. He surrounded himself with dedicated and caring nursing students, “Alan’s Angels”, five of whom he proudly saw graduated. He delighted clinical staff with his smile and good cheer. Alan relished his days outside where he could hear his backyard birds singing and feel the sun on his face; wisdom of simple pleasures learned by a life well lived.
He was preceded in death by his parents and numerous good dogs. He is survived by his wife, Ann; sons Adam (Amy) and Daniel; their mother Candace; brother Andrew (Andy); and numerous other family members and friends.
In lieu of flowers, Alan requested donations to the Central Missouri Humane Society, 616 Big Bear Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202; 573-443-7387; Mon-Sun 12-5pm, Wed 12-7pm; http://www.cmhspets.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Memorial-Donations.pdf.
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
And may your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young.
Forever Young by Bob Dylan
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Alan. I only met him a couple of times when the music industry placed us in line with each other and we talked amongst the noise and confusion that music can sometimes produce. Even then I could sense the friendliness, gentleness and warmth of the man and my love and thoughts go out to his family, especially Annie, who I had the utmost pleasure of meeting on a trip Down Under, what seems a lifetime ago.
Annie, Adam, and Daniel,
Only the very fortunate will have a life-long friend who remains by their side through life’s ups and downs. Alan was that friend to me. I’m sure he was much more to you. We are all better for knowing Alan, and what better tribute can there be.
My heartfelt sorrow,
Brent
Annie, my heart is with you, my friend. I hope that Alan’s spirit is soaring freely now. I will always remember him smiling and striding across the windswept hills of northern Finland or sitting with a whiskey bottle at the cabin. That was a mighty fine trip on which get to know your great husband. I am filled with admiration at the strength and grace that you both brought to the past few years. May that same spirit serve you well now. All my love to you and Adam and Daniel.
Annie, I’m so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was such a bright light- he will be missed by many. God bless.
Annie,
I will never forget the selfless way Alan came to help us in the field in Montana. I feel for your loss. Please take special care of yourself.
Annie, Adam, and Daniel:
Although deeply saddened by Alan’s passing and the void it will leave in your lives, I remind myself that wonderful memories of Alan will live within us until we meet him again.
Alan touched the lives of thousands of veterinary and biomedical science students while teaching at Texas A&M University and the University of Missouri. He was able to communicate not only an understanding of physiology and pharmacology, but his incredible spirit and caring nature.
A smile always comes to my face whenever I think about my dear friend, Alan. In May, 1977, he welcomed Jan, our one year old son Adam, and me to Texas and our new “family” – the faculty and staff of the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology. Alan’s love of life, gregarious nature, humor, and fun loving spirit were contagious. Our times together will remain some of my most precious memories – our shared research on bone implants and coronary arteries, team teaching bioengineering students, skiing in Colorado, canoeing the Guadalupe River, camping, hunting ducks at Lake Somerville, dancing with pretty girls at the Texas Hall of Fame, pranks we played, watching Adam and Daniel grow into fine young men, and the many hours we spent together. This was a special time in our lives and I will always treasure sharing the joys of teaching with him and his friendship.
One of the topics we taught our students was the importance of the body’s milieu interieur – the internal environment that nourishes cells. Alan’s boyish demeanor, energy, and spirit set the milieu interieur for our department. During his time at Texas A&M University, academia was so much fun! When Alan left for the University of Missouri, the milieu was immediately transformed – the really fun times left with him.
On hearing of Alan’s passing, I am saddened and disturbed that he had to endure the devastating nature of ALS. But today and in the future, I choose to celebrate his life and every cherished memory of our times together. And to belatedly thank Alan: thanks for all you have done to enrich my life and for what you have meant to my family (Jan, Adam, Julie, and Meredith).
Perhaps, the most important lesson Alan was trying to teach us was to enjoy every day and live life to its fullest. His was a rich life filled with great adventures and much love.
With love and fondest memories, Jon Hunter
I am sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with Alan at Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine and interacted with him in his role at the Central Missouri Humane Society. His friendly, logical, and measured approach to issues was always appreciated. He is missed.
It is difficult in today’s world finding something that stands steady in the winds of change. Technology changes our lives. The tumultuous state of the world changes our perceptions and attitudes. It is easy to become complacent, turn inward, drift along.
Alan represented stability. He was a source of information and guidance on many subjects. I don’t know how many times Suza and I called on Alan concerning suffering animals that showed up in our lives. Physiology and biochemistry were things he explained well. I can’t remember how many conversations we had about maintenance of machines or home repairs. He was always available and always reliable. I took Alan for granted.
When Alan was diagnosed with ALS it did not fully register. Unfortunately death leaves no doubts. He is physically gone. But Alan’s character and demeanor are still here – examples of an individual that I respected and revered. I will carry these gifts from Alan to the end. This part of Alan I do not take for granted.
Alan was an amazing mentor and friend. He brought laughter, great stories, and fabulous science into our lives. He will always be remembered and loved.
Annie, you were his love, and it always showed in his eyes when he spoke of you.
Adam and Daniel, your dad always spoke so highly of you and was so proud of you.
All our love,
Molly and Kevin
Alan was a great man. I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him yet i can say it with certainty.
I don’t know why we are on this Earth, but I know when I pass I wish people would speak of me the way I speak of Alan. He will be missed by so many, yet his impact on them will continue.
I know he lived life as it should be lived, and I am glad I knew him.
Alan was a wonderful human being with a “can do” attitude. It was a joy to work with him in getting the Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound and Veterans and Shelter Dogs projects underway. He was always positive and quick to smile. It was a privilege to know him and to work with him.
Dear Annie,
I am so very sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. You and the family are very much in my thoughts at this time.
Love
James
Annie, Daniel, Adam,
Plain and simple, Alan was a role model for me in every way. We all would be much better off if we lived our lives more like him. I will try to do so in the future.
Bob DiStefano
Alan will be missed. I will always cherish his bear hugs and long meandering stories. A wonderful teacher, coworker, and friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Mandy Annis and Family
Dearest Annie, I’m so sorry to hear of Alan’s passing, I extend to you my deepest, heartfelt sympathy. Love, Marcia
Annie,
When Bob informed me of the passing of Alan my initial response to him was simply:
“Alan was truly a great man and a wonderful friend. He is missed.”
After thinking about Alan for the past few weeks I feel the simplicity of my note to Bob captured my feelings perfectly. I am happy I met you and Alan and have the pleasure of calling you both friends!
Eric Rahm
I never met your dear Alan, but wish I had and feel like I know a little bit about him from this warm remembrance of his life, work, and loves. He sounds like a man who will be sorely missed, but whose contributions have touched many people. I am sorry for your loss.
Hi Annie, Adam, and Daniel,
I was very sad when I heard that Alan passed away. We shared the same aunt and uncle, Bob and Jane Allert. Jane is my mom’s sister.
I have some great memories of Allen when I visited the Allert Ranch in Bandera in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s.
In the summer of 1968, Allen, my cousin Mark, and I went on some wild jeep rides on my aunt and uncle’s ranch and had fun riding on a raft in the lake.
During another visit while it was fairly cold, we all went fishing in the lake. I fell backwards into the lake while trying to cast my fishing rod, and Allen pulled me back into the boat. I was very grateful that he was there to help me.
Allen was a very intelligent, accomplished person, and he made so many contributions to veterinary science and to people and animals’ lives.
I am honored to have known him, and I wish all of you the best.
I was shocked to read of Alan’s death. He was so important to so many of us as we went through vet school at TAMU. He was funny, sensitive and so smart. We wanted to “be like him” as he role modeled
the compassion and understanding we would give to our profession and its patients. My heart goes to his family and sons. I remember them well. Nemaste.
I dated Alan in the late sixties. He was a gem of a human being.
The Allerts were next door neighbors in San Antonio until 1958 when we moved to Arkansas. My brother, David, also became a veterinarian. I sent facebook message in 2010 to Alan and lost contact after that. Although it’s been 5 years, I’m sorry for your loss. His life was remarkable.
I was a vet school classmate of Alan’s. I did not know him very well and only recently learned of his passing. His obituary tells of a life well lived in the service of others and an embrace of the natural world that more of us should strive for. He was a remarkably accomplished educator and his life should serve as an inspiration for future generations of veterinarians. ALS is a cruel disease and I am sure Alan faced it with grace and courage. Requiescat in pace.