Al and I go back to Garfield Grammar School at 3rd and Garfield Streets, in Hinsdale of course.   We had many school experiences together - building a tree house at Billy Colwell's grandmother's home, picking her neighbor's Concord grapes from the vine, developing black and white pictures in my home basement and more.  

It is hard to loose a friend but that is life.  My 4 year old grand daughter asked me when I told her of my school friend, Al, "Why does anyone have to die?"  Tough question to answer.

Thanks Al for all you meant to me during those War years.

Bob Lofgren

The Following Is An Article From

THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2010

NAPLES — The waters off Naples Pier served as a race course Saturday for dozens of sailors and 22 boats during the 2010 Avow Hospice Regatta.

Conditions were nearly perfect for sailing, with steady winds out of the south, calm seas, warm temperatures and just enough cloud cover to ward off the sun.

Saturday marked the sixth edition of the Avow Hospice Regatta. Avow Hospice is a non-profit group based in Naples that gives care for people with illnesses and who are expected to die within six to 12 months.

The regatta is one of many local, annual fundraisers for the hospice.

Sponsored by the Gulf Coast Sailing Club, the race is also one of the most popular sailboat competitions in Southwest Florida, drawing captains with everything from small, sporty racers to 40-foot-plus open ocean cruisers.

Jerry Watkins with the Gulf Coast Club was very happy with the weather, the large turn-out and the stiff competition.

“The competition was extremely tight, and everyone at the start of the first race was champing at the bit,” Watkins said. “Two of the nine boats in that class went over the line and had to go back and start over.”

Sailboat races begin with a countdown. Race organizers typically signal five to 10 minutes before the start. Go over the start line early and you must turn around, go back behind the start line, turn around again and start over.

It’s usually a sign of an aggressive field.

“In the true cruiser division, only 14 seconds separated first and second in the first race,” Watkins said.

Several power boats loaded with spectators followed the action throughout all three races.

“We see a lot of boats show up for the Avow that usually don’t race,” said longtime Naples resident and avid sailor Bob McElwain. “That’s because it’s such a good event. It’s a great cause, and you’ve got all kinds of power boat owners who donate their time to help. It’s really a community event.”

McElwain sailed with Rod Johnstone, a legendary designer who was sailing his newest boat, called a J/95.

The new boat was named 2010 Boat of The Year by Sailing World magazine, the nation’s top sailboat racing publication, just last month. This particular boat, hull No. 2, is only the second built so far. The first has been delivered to the Caribbean.

It’s also Johnstone’s personal ride.

“I love sailing down here,” Johnstone said, the brim of his beige Columbia hat flapping in the breeze. “It’s just beautiful. And a lot warmer than Rhode Island.”

The 73-year-old drew attention normally reserved for royalty. Many of the racers in the Avow cut their sailing teeth on the famous and still popular J/24, a boat the Johnstone family first released in 1977.

Several boat captains made close passes to Johnstone’s boat between races, saying “hello” and tipping their hat as a sign of respect.

The J/95 will remain in Naples. Johnstone and his promoters hope to build a world-class fleet around his newest boat, and they want to do it here.

“This is my favorite boat,” Johnstone said. “This is a boat that I designed for myself — the kind of boat that I always wanted but could never find.”

Al finished his life in the arms of some remarkable capable and caring people that staff The Avow Hospice. I was fortunate to be in Naples during this regatta and attend their remarkable benefit dinner. I listened to others speak of its importance but it was my father's last night on this earth that I really got it.

Avow Hospice gave Bob & I a deep and personal respect for the beauty and importance of what they do!

THANK YOU AVOW!