Alan starred in a short (amateur) video I made at one of the Antrim ski trip weekends in New Hampshire. I lugged a camera up, thinking I would just get scenic shots, but Alan's claims of seeing beavers early in the morning--when no one else was around, of course--presented me with just the storyline I needed. Everyone who knew Alan knows he was...more

I loved seeing all those pictures of Alan again. I remember chatting with him at the CRLS gymnastics classes when your kids and ours were very small, the first time he passed me in a single when he started rowing again at CBC (that didn't take long)...I still think of him when I pass that spot. I remember his stories of his family, you were all s...more

Remembering when Alan would cut down christmas trees so all the jews could celebrate. Missing him today and sending love ❤️

There was a sweetness and gentleness to Alan. He had a ready smile and a willingness to help out anyone, with anything. He was a fabulous neighbor who climbed ladders to hang banners and lights for the block party and then stayed late to help put things away; he would loan a tool, help with a bicycle - always with a ready smile. He adored his fa...more

I loved his large presence on Antrim Street.

What beautiful pictures! How thrilled he would be to see the family thriving and growing. His strength is in all of you.

I, too, find it difficult to believe that it's been ten years since we lost Alan. I have so many fond memories of him at CBC and racing with and against him! He was such a tough competitor. I recall one particular incident. The first was when we were rowing a double together one early spring and Gordon, our coach, had pitted us against Mary Mazz...more

Marc Garnick and Bobbi Kates-Garnick

I met Alan through Betsy and right from the start I realized I was in the company of a man of intelligence, wit and strength. I still think of him and how integral he was to the life of Betsy and his daughters

I had the pleasure of getting to know Alan for several years before his passing. He was kind, thoughtful, funny, honest, and thoroughly decent to the core.

I remember Alan as a dad, because our connection was through our kids. He was gentle, present, unassuming, and kind. Since he won’t have the honor of being a grandfather, hopefully some of his qualities will emerge in Olympia.

It is hard to believe 10 years have passed. I knew Alan through working with Betsy (many years ago now). I heard so many stories of kindness and caring and of course, a sense of humor that matched perfectly with Betsy's. A wonderful husband, and a wonderful father to Phoebe and Hilary. Much love, Amy xoxo

These are sweet memories of the sweetest man, neighbor, friend and father. While the memories are sweet, his absence can't be more sadly felt.

There has not been a single day when I have not thought about Alan. We rowed together for 10 glorious years. I came to admire so many of Alan’s fantastic attributes during our rows - always respecting what goes on in the boat stays in their boat —Alan’s true greatness was so fully exhibited during the times of his illness. He endured so very much ...more

When I first met Alan, it took me a while to fully understand his character. He had a scientist's cool regard for things around him, a serene analytical ability, and a reserved sense of interaction. Knowing Betsy first, I was struck by his difference from her -- how could this be? Where he was cool in his affect, she was more often hot (except tha...more

I remember Alan so well as the quieter half of the Groban-Fischer marriage, although his humor and keen intelligence always shone brightly. He was an exemplary dad and a loving partner to Betsy. He would have been so happy to welcome Olympia to his family.

What I remember most about Alan was his wry sense of humor. There was always that quick-fire turn of conversation that would make a serious topic into something hilarious. I miss him.

My memories of Alan are really through Betsy’s eyes... the admiration, respect and true fondness that she had for him. When I got to meet Alan, I instantly knew that he held her in equally high regard. What a joy to see such complementary lives, freely given to each other and to their daughters. The way Betsy and Alan consulted one another, liste...more

After attending a publishing dinner with Betsy in Providence, I ended up driving Alan back to Cambridge. (I believe Betsy was staying overnight to hang with Hilary). Being directionally challenged, of course Alan led us back to Cambridge with ease and no judgement. The trip was uneventful, but what has stayed with me was how easily conversation and...more

One of my many memories of Alan was when my family would come down to Cambridge and have dinner with the Fischer-Grobans. Alan had the same passion and interest for cooking salmon on cedar planks as he had for asking my sisters and me about our daily activities and lives. He was the quiet, inquisitive, ever calm and respected presence at the table ...more