"It's Been a Lot of Fun"
In Memoriam Alison Brooks
+ 10 March 2002
In 1999 I had the pleasure of meeting Alison's husband David Flin in Washington, DC. Understandably curious about what one of the unquestioned leading citizens of soc.history.what-if looked like, and genuinely interested in the family of this outstanding gentleman, I was privileged to be able to see some photographs. A few weeks later, some copies arrived by mail.I asked David this week if I might put some of them up online, so that other people in our far-flung electronic network might be able to see a glimpse of someone we will miss. I know I cannot be the only one who never passed over a message with her name on it, was always prepared to smile and pay attention when I clicked it open, and was almost never disappointed in that preparation. He gave his permission, and so I offer these for people who might never have seen her, but who could appreciate her.
Samuel Johnson once said that the purpose of drama is not so much to teach, as it is to remind. Likewise, I know all shwi posters do not need to be taught that what we've lost was not a stream of electrons, but a real human being of flesh and blood, with a history and a family of her own, with dreams and hopes and loved ones and interests, and everything else that makes up a person. But it would do us good to be reminded from time to time of the reality of someone who, in her husband's words, could be "stubborn, arrogant, strangely shy and sometimes moody," but who "was also brave, thoughtful, and unfailing kind."
It may be that we can add some other photographs here in time, but here are three for now. Also, at the bottom of the page I have put some information about how you can make some contributions in her name to the organizations she wanted to support, in lieu of flowers: Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden Hospital.
Alison Brooks and David Flin, newly married 9 September 1983
Joyce Flin (David's mother), David Flin, Alison Brooks and Jack Brooks
(Alison's father, also now deceased), wedding day 9 September 1983
2 July 1994: David Flin, Alison Brooks and their daughter Catherine (then
aged 7 (nearly 8)) prior to an event at Fort Brockhurst, one of the
Palmerston Rock Follies. Because there was no battle re-enactment, but lots
of public interaction, and the show was Army in Garrison, Alison did a
washer woman impression for this event. Glasses were removed for the public
show.
The Royal Marsden Hospital does not have a secure website at this time for donations.
However, if you wish to make donations you can do so either by telephoning their donation line on 020 8770 0279 or sending a cheque payable to The Royal Marsden Hospital Charity to The Fund Raising Dept, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT. Put "in memory of Alison Brooks" in the memo of your check or reference her name in your call; it would be nice if the Royal Marsden could recognize an inspiration. I've been in touch with a Fund Raising Manager there for just that purpose. Click on their crest here to learn more about this worthy institution:
The Institute of Cancer Research (in the UK) however, does have a
secure website
for donations:
And if you are in North America and would prefer to fund research on this side of the Pond, I'm sure Alison wouldn't object.
Click on the logo for information:
Webpage created by Colin Alberts, with the invaluable assistance of Rich Rostrom, March 2002.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE ALISON.
Back to Rich Rostrom's page