RIP AlanB
Jul 13, 18, 6:00 am
#1
Ambassador, New England
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Maineiac, USA
Programs: Amtrak, SPG
Posts: 2,464
RIP AlanB
Good morning, Amtrak forum members.
There are several reports (in other places other than FT) that moderator AlanB (real name Alan Burden) passed away yesterday of an apparent heart attack. Word is that he was riding the Crescent through Alabama at the time he fell ill.
There is also a thread in CommunityBuzz memorializing Alan, and of course all of our thoughts and prayers to go his family and friends throughout the world.
There are several reports (in other places other than FT) that moderator AlanB (real name Alan Burden) passed away yesterday of an apparent heart attack. Word is that he was riding the Crescent through Alabama at the time he fell ill.
There is also a thread in CommunityBuzz memorializing Alan, and of course all of our thoughts and prayers to go his family and friends throughout the world.
Jul 13, 18, 8:00 am
#2
Moderator, Alaska Airlines & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR (ex-75K, GLD, 1K, and S+), Choice Diamond, HZ PC, Costco Exec, NPS Passport
Posts: 22,872
I’m still rather in shock after hearing of this from a friend a few moments ago. His fun energy and deep knowledge of just about everything Amtrak will be missed.
Some further details at Alan Burden (AlanB) - News, Announcements & Introductions - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum
Some further details at Alan Burden (AlanB) - News, Announcements & Introductions - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum
Jul 13, 18, 9:36 am
#3
Community Director
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Anywhere warm
Posts: 28,996
I was sad to awaken to this news. We will miss him.
Jul 13, 18, 9:55 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: CMH/CVG
Programs: Marriott, Southwest, American, Delta, Amtrak,Multiple others
Posts: 473
I am very sad to learn this news. His insightful information, suggestions, and positive attitude enhanced my train traveling experiences. He passed away while doing something he really enjoyed, but will be greatly missed.
Jul 13, 18, 10:04 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Programs: HH Gold (credit card); IHG Platinum (credit card); WoH whatever the credit card confers
Posts: 824
Alan's gentle tone, vast knowledge, and willingness to share made him a treasure.
Jul 13, 18, 10:42 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: EZ Pass, Starbucks Gold, Red Cross blood donor
Posts: 4,717
Wow. The amount of knowledge he had and his patient tone really made this a great forum. Very sad.
Jul 13, 18, 11:11 am
#7
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, Amtrak & OAL peon, Blingy metal at most hotels, Colbert Platinum, Walk & Transit Scores 96
Posts: 4,439
Originally Posted by bitburgr
Wow. The amount of knowledge he had and his patient tone really made this a great forum. Very sad.
Jul 13, 18, 11:46 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 468
Thank you for passing this on. Very sorry to hear about Alan.
I echo everyone's comments. He had a wealth of knowledge and participating on this and other boards seemed to be a real passion for him. I never met but Alan he really added to the community and will be missed.
I echo everyone's comments. He had a wealth of knowledge and participating on this and other boards seemed to be a real passion for him. I never met but Alan he really added to the community and will be missed.
Jul 13, 18, 1:15 pm
#9
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: East Coast, USA
Posts: 977
OMG. This is absolutely horrible. I never met him either, but I realized that he and other dedicated advocates allowed us to be more knowledgeable about train riding. RIP.
Jul 13, 18, 1:22 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Rowe Mesa, NM - USA
Programs: DL, UA, WN, Amtrak, Hyatt, La Quinta, BW
Posts: 1,740
He was immensely helpful to so many people who sought help for Amtrak questions. He will be sorely missed. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Jul 13, 18, 7:37 pm
#11
Join Date: Dec 2007
Programs: Enough to travel better
Posts: 2,018
I will miss Alan B right here in this forum. For years he provided expert advice on Amtrak travel. He will be missed.
Jul 14, 18, 5:01 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 2,791
Very sad to hear this!
Jul 15, 18, 7:20 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 14,275
I just heard the sad news on the Amtrak Facebook page. Alan was one of many that helped me when I did my first Roomette trip on the CZ 2 years ago.
May his perpetual ride always be in a bedroom.
May his perpetual ride always be in a bedroom.
Jul 16, 18, 9:22 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MSY
Programs: BA GfL
Posts: 5,232
Wow, I am very surprised and saddened to read this. AlanB was, hands down, the most helpful and knowledgeable person re: Amtrak that I’ve ever encountered. His loss will be keenly felt on this forum and anywhere else that he posted. RIP.
Jul 17, 18, 1:55 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Albany, NY, USA
Programs: LT Mariott Platinum?, SPG Gold, Hilton Silver, AA Gold, Amtrak Nothing.
Posts: 96
Sorry to hear about Alan. I know his insight's into train travel and the Amtrak rewards programs have helped me in my quest for train travel, which I have shared with my now 16 year old son who has traveled most of the Amtrak long distance routes as well as a couple VIA rail segments. Alan will be greatly missed.
