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The Music Man




Al  was an outstanding musician and a creative woodworker.  Not only was he known for playing several instruments, he also had the reputation, ability and skill, to repair instruments for musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.  When he wasn’t in his workshop on the Pacific Place premises, he actively played in local bands throughout the St. Louis area.

When Al made it clear he did not want to leave the musical repair shop he had in the basement, Pacific Place offered to rebuild it for him.  At Pacific Place he continued his craft, enjoyed seeing friends from the symphony, and liked to show off his new campus.   He took advantage of the neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed it.  He would meet his musical buddies weekly for dinner at  Webers Front Row, just a short walk from the  Pacific Place Retirement Community.

Al was the father of three children.  After the death of his beloved wife, who was also a musician and an artist, Al was looking to downsize and simplify his life.  “I don’t miss taking care of that house”, he admitted.  “I don’t have to be bothered with cleaning and replacing old, broken appliances.”  Ironically, the day his basement had a leak and many of his instruments were soaked, a marketing representative from Pacific Place was scheduled to stop by and review information about this easy living alternative.

“I’m not really a mixer, you know.  It is nice to know that I can talk with residents who I see from time to time – everybody is real nice,” Al noted.

Al selectively participated in the scheduled day trips which he enjoyed a great deal.  Al drove to see family and friends, to his favorite music store, to his music rehearsals and kept to a pretty busy daily routine.  “Getting up and out every day is important no matter what the weather brings.  I enjoy working in my workshop and I keep real busy with my personal computer,” said Al.

His upbeat attitude kept him young and active.  Looking at the glass half full is what it’s all about.  He appreciated the fact that Pacific Place is small and personalized, non-intrusive and respectful of others.  Al stated, “It’s also nice that someone is always there, but you can do your own thing.  I can’t complain.”