Alan Rosenthal left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He was a rare breed—a genuinely selfless person with a golden soul. He had a hunger for life in a quiet way; he had an insatiable passion for film and editing, and a passion for sailing that occupied his every weekend, when physically able, on the Hudson River. Alan had music in every fiber of his being, which could be heard when he played acoustic guitar and sang in his beautiful, gentle voice. He was not one to broadcast his knowledge, nor his talents, which made him that much more endearing to those who knew him.

Alan was a pragmatist and also a dreamer. He wasted no words and was a keen observer of life around him. People loved his sense of humor—it was sharp and dry. You wanted to be liked by Alan. He was a fine human being—kind, generous, and much more comfortable giving than receiving. Alan was cool on his sets when working, treated his actors and colleagues with the utmost respect; he was patient and funny, and he put everyone at ease. His observations were precise and intuitive, his insights were deep, thoughtful and intelligent; he was sensitive almost to a fault. Alan felt pain that others endured and yet he was modest and unflinching when his own pain was virtually unbearable. He never let his illness define his existence—he refused to use it for sympathy, he refused to let it run his life. He went dog-sledding, rock climbed, traveled to Europe, he went to work every morning, he sailed in the British Virgin Islands, he said “yes” to love, got married, he started a family. He kept his eye on the future, and constantly worked on himself as a person. He was keenly aware of how precarious life was and his motto was to “sweat the small stuff,” since the big issues were often beyond one’s control—as in his case, they were.

Alan was very much a “dog person” and had a special affection for Bull Dogs. He relished in everyday pleasures—trips to Coney Island to take photographs, old movies, Yankee games, chicken wings and beer, softball, documentaries, Carnegie Deli, concerts, exhibits and theater. He especially loved children; he delighted in being with them and he had a warmth and tenderness that attracted them to him. He was self-effacing but deep down he had pride in his work and was aware of how he affected others in a positive way. He was a powerful mentor. He was the most loving partner, brother, son and friend. Alan’s strength, courage, love of life, and dignity are an example to us all.