Dad -

It's been a little over (2) years and I suppose missing you will never go away. I think of you often. Some of the best traits in myself, I learned from you. Father and Teacher, how could a child be so lucky. I remember your intellect, thoughts, caring for others, adventurous nature and so many great things I try and emulate and attain more of every day. You will always be the center of my moral compass.

I love you, and will miss you always,
Your Son,
Roger

I miss my father every day. Dad was an amazing man, who taught me to love science and knowledge. I thank him for all his wise words and thoughts. I felt the severe loss today, more than usual, and wanted share all that was great about my father. I was so lucky to have had him as my Dad. I could not picked a better man for the job. 

Love you always,
Your son.

I was fortunate enough to have Al choose me, 22 years ago now, to do the Web site for his photographs. And for now, it's still available at http://www.capturedmomentsphotography.com, I hope you will take a look. Al loved the outdoors and it comes through in his photos. He was always so kind to me, and would share tips with me on photography and places to explore. It was also fun hearing about his adventures in the service and canoeing northern Michigan. He was one of the most generous people I've ever known, if one did not stop him, he'd give you the shirt off his back if he thought you could use it. A great, kind soul, he seemed to appreciate life to the fullest.

Al was a very genuinely good person: thoughtful and kind, intelligent and talented but delightfully humble. I wish I had known Al and Gerry and their children in earlier years, but I was happy to meet them at Michigan Shores and will always treasure the memory. He was a brief member of our writing group, making interesting contributions, but he was too modest to spend much time writing his memoirs and preferred to concentrate on his photography, music, family and helping others. Gerry has managed remarkably well with her loss and we continue to admire her, as we always have, and as Al would have wanted. My best to all his dear ones......Kay Fischer

I remember Cousin Alfred from when I was a little girl. He always had a smile and I remember how much he and Gerry were in love with each other. Ava Shalom!   //PS. If you can track me down, I'm reviving the Ruda Club through the photos and have one of Gerry and Alfred from my parent's wedding.

My love and thoughts are with my Uncle Al and Aunt Gerry's family......he was a special man, always easy to speak to, always in a good mood, always on an even keel. 

Happy 93rd birthday to my dear husband, Al. We miss you every day, and wish you were here to celebrate with us. We love you so much and think of you often. Love you.

Dad-

Today would have been your birthday, but we didn't get the opportunity to celebrate with you once more. You are in are hearts as always, but today especially. You are were the best Father, I could have ever wished to have. I love you, Always.

It has come to the first anniversary of the passing of the greatest man I have known. I know this may seem overdue but it has been tough to acknowledge the finality of my Dad's passing. It is hard to summarize what he meant to me, as he meant so much. He taught me how to be smart, kind, giving, fair, un-biased, a critical thinker and I could go on for days. In short he taught me to be everything he was. The ironic part is that didn't end at eighteen that was a lifetime for him. I learned so much from my Dad. I still think of something everyday that ties to one of the millions of examples he set forth for me to follow. In a strange way i am still being taught by my dad. One of my favorite attributes of my father was his willingness to help others. He gave of himself without regard for the personal outcome totally selfless. I know i have fallen short of the bar he set, but i never stop trying. My Dad was creative a photographer and musician, Intellectual a teacher and a student of life, a leader fearless and motivated. In so many ways he has left and indelible mark not only on me but everyone he touched. My dad is forever in my heart and mind he is loved and thought of daily. I miss you Dad I love you Dad.

 When I think of Al, I think of his kind personality and his encouraging teacher's heart.
 I had never seen anyone play the concertina before. He was always playing with a big smile on his face, HAPPY!
 I remember how he invented some straps that he attached to his legs by his knees so he could play the symbols with his legs while at the same time he played the concertina or harmonica.
 He and Gerry always welcomed everyone who came to their home and Gerry always ha some refreshments for us after we played.
 Al started the Hobo Harmonica group some years ago and I had the opportunity of playing with them these last few years.
 I remember Al for his teachers heart. He always had some harmonicas in his bag to give children if they came to watch us play.
 The Hobo Harmonicas will never be the same without Al. We will all miss him and remember him for the person that he always was.
 Every year he gave each one of us a calendar of the new year with the most beautiful pictures on it. I will always save a couple of those. He also had pictures of our group taken and passed out to each of us. This is a great way to remember the group.
 Thank You Al and Gerry
 Nellie Thomas

We miss our friend Mr. Al Hyams. We believe Mr. Al always tried to make the a better place. We received encouragement from Mr Al many times. We watched him give harmonicas to children in the crowds as we all played music together. He gave many gifts, beautiful pictures and other things (including my engineer hat) to friends. Mr Al also donated sound equipment to help others starting in the music world. He always sought to include others. He helped so many to get started in their music journey. His music cheered both young and old. He and Gerry organized many events for the pleasure of so many. Mr Al was a great listener and a wonderful friend. We are sad that he is gone but his memory lives on in our hearts. He was a blessing to all who had the honor of knowing him. Connie and Oscar Jaquish

I didn’t have much opportunity to meet with Al, but when I did, we had a great time talking. We talked about our old stomping grounds in Wayne County, mostly. What I appreciated even more was his work with The Harmonica Hobos. I loved having them here at Michigan Shores and singing those old songs along with them. I want them back.

My dad, Chet Nugent, enjoyed playing in The Harmonica Hobos with Al
for several years.  When Chet was unable to drive, due to his failing eyesight, Al kindly picked him up to assure that he could continue to play with the group.  I know that their music entertained many.
My wife, Irene, sold many of Al's note cards with his beautiful photography in the Paul Oliver Hospital Gift Shop. Al certainly was very talented.

Three years ago when we moved to Michigan Shores Gerry and Al were were among the first residents we met, and we discovered they were our neighbors just down the hall. It was so nice to be welcomed by such a warm and friendly couple. We were amazed to learn that Al was the photographer of the dozens of beautiful photographs displayed along the hallways of the building showing the beauty of the area surrounding us and the wildlife that is so abundant. Al was so talented. Our friendship grew and we enjoyed getting to know each other better. It has been an honor to know Al for his sharp intellect, warmth and humor. We dearly miss him.

Grandpa

To put it simply, there are never going to be enough characters in this passage and words in the universe to describe the impact you left on so many, myself included. You were the most humble, easy going, fun, and loving family man, musician, and teacher. By far, the best story teller (with quite the bank of memories that would drum up input and conversation by anyone present) and ultimately, the absolute best grandfather I could have ever hoped for. As many have stated before I, the world is a lesser place without your presence, but I know in my heart of hearts your memory will live on forever. I miss you. Gone, but most certainly never forgotten!

My parents, Muriel and Ralph Williams, lived at MI Shores and we used to visit them at Christmas. The first year that our baby granddaughter came to MI Shores for Christmas, Al saw us all downstairs by the elevator and asked if we'd like him to take photos of Mia. It was so very thoughtful of him. The photos (of course!) turned out wonderfully. Al and Gerry were part of the reason we always felt welcomed at MI Shores. Am sure someone was standing at the door to welcome him into the "Good Place"...

I cannot recall when exactly I met Al, but no doubt it was in close proximity to Gerry. The two of them were such a wonderfully matched team; one cannot mention Al without his relationship to his beautiful wife. I've read these other tributes about Al, and they capture the spirit perfectly of a man who was the essence of a life well lived, full of kindness, curiosity and action, all while maintaining a gentle, forthright and deliberate character. He was caring, talented, full of goodwill. What an honor to have known him and to call him a friend.

Al will always have a place in Jon's and my heart. He was a wonderful, gentle, kind, generous man. It was always a treat to run into him and Gerry---what a pair! His photograhs became a light into the wonders of Nature. Our world will be a poorer place now that he has slipped away from all of us who loved him and will always honor his memory.

Al will always be loved and remembered by everyone that has ever been affiliated with Michigan Shores. He loved this place and it showed in his tremendous contributions to this community. He holds a special place in our hearts, and we will miss his positive attitude, kind heart and genuine, caring personality. We love & miss you Al. Remembered forever. ~ Shirley Robert, RCM Cooperative Manager, Michigan Shores Cooperative.

The first time I met Mr. Hyams (Al) was when he visited my third grade classroom in Frankfort, to perform science experiments. He was great, and the children enjoyed him. Some years later, when my father was a resident at The Maples, I enjoyed listening to him perform his music with The Hoboes.

My Father

The world is a lesser place without my Father in it.

A little less good, a little less smart, and a little less kind.

This is what I miss the most, all the great things I felt he contributed to my life.

His sense of humor
His intellect
His wisdom
His love of science
His thirst for knowledge
His resourcefulness
His even handedness
And last but not at all least, his love and caring he showed toward all

No matter how much I miss him, I do know he is in a better place now, no longer bothered by the infirmities of age and heart.

That being said, the love I have for him will last forever.

I could and will share many stories of Dad, and will on this page from time to time. Please join me in doing so.

Dad, I miss and think of you every day!

From Al's loving sister, Charlotte Dubin:

"Al meant so much to me— from my childhood and into my adulthood.

My father passed away when I was very young. Al became an important part of my life, and I never stopped learning from him. 

His knowledge of the way the world worked
— from the mysteries of science to the wonders of nature — amazed me. Al’s travels, his photography skills and his sheer joy of music making were beyond anything I’d ever experienced. It’s no wonder that he had so many friends.

Of all his achievements though, Al (and Gerry of course) was proudest of their sons, my nephews Roger and Eric.

I could add so much more but I’ll just send my love to Gerry, Rog and Eric as they mourn the loss that we share."

Uncle Al and Aunt Gerry were the family adventurers and challenged all of us to push outselves. Much missed