Al Kirkland died suddenly the morning of August 30 while on his way to fitness training, proving that some people will do just about anything to avoid exercise. Those who knew and loved Big Al have lost a friend, a father, a grandfather, an inspired raconteur, and a spirited bon vivant.

In fact, Big Al defined that phrase, living a life filled with love and appreciation of all good things. His passions, in order, were his family, both close and extended; Stanford University—especially the 1952 Rose Bowl team, the How Boys, of which he was an outstanding member—and cooking. He was named a Chevalier of la Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs in 2000, and was especially proud of his study under Julia Child in 1981. (Of course, he was the teacher’s pet, being the only student chef tall enough to stand eye-to-eye with Julia.)

Big Al is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeanne; three sons, Scott, Dave, and Jim; and two daughters, Colleen and Kelly—along with an unruly consort of grandchildren, who will miss their Opa terribly. However, we are all relieved to discover that Big Al hasn’t gone far after all; he seems to be all around us as we go through the inevitably messy business of settling his earthly affairs—while Big Al himself is no doubt eagerly looking forward to the Stanford football season. Go Cardinal—or, as Big Al would insist, disdaining our earnest yearning for political correctness—go, Indians, go!