IN MEMORIAM remembering Alan Fischer
Alan Day
Alan Fischer PhD . volunteered on the regatta for decades before his death in February of this year . Alan was a quietly dynamic man whose dedication and effective contributions to the race were matched by his caring and concern for those around him . He served as the Race Director and during that period we all experienced his organizational prowess as well as his calm way of inspiring us all to give our best efforts for the good of the racers and the care and respect for the thousands of people who volunteer each year to help run the regatta .
It seemed even the most chaotic events didn ’ t disturb his calming presence , or his consistent focus on the wellbeing of the people around him . The regatta involves many moving parts , with over 8,000 racers , 1,400 volunteers , and typically 300,000 spectators . But Alan never seemed flustered , nor did he ruffle anyone ’ s feathers as he led us to pull together and do our best to carry off the Regatta as best we could . His patience and perspective set a standard that we all strive to reach each year .
Alan fought a brave battle with cancer for seven years , but continued to row actively , and attended and supported the Regatta during those years . His rowing partner , Marc Garnick , said of Alan that his determination to keep living inspired others and impressed medical professionals . “ No one had seen the kind of fortitude and courage of this guy ,’’ Garnick said . “ He never said , ‘ Why me ?’ Never once did he say , ‘ What did I do to deserve this ?’ ’’
Alan served tirelessly as a member of the Board of the Cambridge Boat Club until his passing . His courage , caring , and dedicated service will be missed by those of us who knew him , and his leadership and effectiveness will long serve as an inspiration to those of us who try to follow in some small way in his footsteps .
I remember talking to Alan at the last Head Of The Charles he attended . From that day to this I was awed by that conversation . By then he knew his time was very short , and calmly acknowledged that fact . He then went on to revel in the wonder of the day , the excitement and happiness of those around him , the amazing pageantry of the Regatta . The day was a gift , he said , being among so many long-standing friends and the many others who knew and loved him .
Alan Day is the senior co-race director of the 2010 head of the charles regatta .
2010 Head Of The Charles 37