I was deeply saddened to learn yesterday of the death of Alan Cook, who will be known to many as one of the ABC wargamers. I only got to know Alan during the last couple of years, but during that short time I thoroughly enjoyed his company, his infectious enthusiasm for all things wargaming and seeing his beautifully painted armies. The last time I saw Alan we played a short Peninsula War battle, with his long standing friend Bob Black - this was just a fortnight ago.
Alan was a wonderful figure painter and a very talented converter of figures, making and casting hundreds of items. He created an extensive Crimean War collection covering all major adversaries. There were Franco Prussian armies, American Civil War, Russian Civil War, Russo Turkish War, Colonials, the armies for 1866 Austro Prussian War, Warships and I have probably missed out some. He built up his armies and played his games very much in the Old School way.
I wish I had met him sooner, but during the time I did know him I thoroughly enjoyed the hours spent discussing wargaming and model soldiers, as well as playing with them. He will be sorely missed.
It is well worth logging on to the ABC Wargamers blog to see Alan's work, and where I am sure there are more tributes.
I was in awe by the spirit he had during his last illness , a gallant and true gentleman , the hobby is poorer with his lose , Tony
ReplyDeleteHi Bob.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I was a greater admirer of Alan's blog, his soldiers, his warm, self-deprecating humour and his courage. I wish I'd met him.
Kind regards
Matthew
Dear Bob
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this tribute to Alan, a man of spirit and humour in the face of his illness. I'm glad that you managed to enjoy some final games. Like many of the blog readers, I came to these blogs late over the last year or two through the Jacklex link. Many condolences to you all of the ABC Wargamers and your families in your loss.
It is indeed sad news...
ReplyDeleteAlan came over as a fine fellow with a good sense of humour even through what must have been very troubling times...
I will miss his easy and enjoyable posts and beautiful shiny toys...
All the best. Aly
A sad loss, even for those of us who only knew him through his blog. May I make such a brave stand when my time comes.
ReplyDeletesad news indeed, Alan over the years sent me many conversion masters from Minifigs S range for expansion of Crimea & FPW ranges, he is sadly missed, for any that knew him may i suggest a donation to Cancer Research UK, as i know this charity was close to his heart
ReplyDeletemany thanks
cheers Old John
A fine tribute, Bob; please relay my condolences to his family. Alan was an inspiration in so many ways.
ReplyDeleteBob thank you for posting this, a very full tribute top a very impressive man.I was fortunate enough to receive a few items recently from Bob, among them a Franco Prussian War ambulance which had been featured on the ABC Wargaming blog, and several other conversions I could never aspire to produce..
ReplyDeleteAs well as being very skilled at carrying them out, I think Alan had an unmatched eye for conversion possibilities, as shown by his later Nineteenth Century armies. For those of us who only knew him by his armies these stand as testament to the man; obviously for his friends and family there are many more memories.
I only knew Alan from internet and email contact but I always found him an unfailingly friendly, courteous and helpful man.
Thank you all for your kind comments. When the time is right I will pass them on to Alan's family.
ReplyDelete