Taking a break to mourn Al Stone, my brother and webmaster
Friday morning, my brother Al rang the bell near his bed in his Santa Monica apartment — a signal for me, sleeping on an air mattress in the adjoining living room, to come relieve his pain and anxiety. He was hours away from starting hospice care for the ocular cancer that spread to his liver. The previous night, when the bell rang in the middle of the night, I massaged and scratched his feet (which he loved) and helped him with sips of water and other comfort. Then I returned to bed. But Friday was different. All I could do was give him some painkillers, help him sit up and hug him for perhaps 20 minutes as he went into agonal breathing, wrote me some notes and whispered to me. He died in my arms around 4:50 a.m. So forgive my absence from blogging. Al Stone was a huge part of this site. He designed it and did background maintenance. I have to learn how to do this myself now. Masters track has seen some amazing records (see below), but I don’t have time to do them justice. Thanks for understanding.
Al attended his last Venice Beach drum circle on April 13, 2013. He took part every Sunday and called it his church. He died of liver cancer May 24, 2013.
Here are the marks at a recent Canadian meet and the USATF Southeastern Masters Regionals, sent by gracious friends:
Christa Bortignon continues to set new standards in Masters track and field. Competing at the Centennial Meet in Kamloops, Christa broke her own W75 200m hurdles World Record with a time of 39.89 seconds.
Her old world record was 41.22 seconds. Christa also broke the world record in the 200m sprint (34.15s) but the wind reading of 2.2 m/s was slightly above the legal limit.
Myrtle Acton broke four W80 Canadian records in the Shot put (7.34m), Discus (17.70m), Hammer (20.77m) and Weight (8.52m).
Harry Thompson broke three Canadian records in the M90 100m (23.70), 400m (2:12.03) and the 1500m (10:27.28) by six and a half minutes.
Cheryl Closkey broke two W65 Canadian records in the Hammer (25.50m) and Weight (10.76m).
Margaret Rhebergen broke the W55 Canadian record in the Long jump (4.17m) and the BC record in the Triple jump (8.15m)
Harold Morioka set a new BC standard in the M70 300m hurdles (54.15).
From Southeastern meet:
Pending Records
World
Name Event Mark
Charles Allie (M65) 400m 56.09
Charles Ross (M90) 2000m Steeplechase 18:54.10
Ty Brown (M65) 100m Hurdles 15.20US
Name Event Mark
Oscar Peyton (M60) 200m 24.23
Charles Ross (M90) 2000m Steeplechase 18:54.10
Charles Allie M65) 400m 56.09
Carolinas Track and Field Club 4×100 Relay 52.84
Myrle Mensey (W60) Weight Throw 16.63m (tie)
Myrle Mensey (W60) Weight Throw (Throws Pentathlon) 16.71m
Michael Janusey (M55) Outdoor Pentathlon 3721 points
Myrle Mensey (W60) Throws Pentathlon 4330 points
Ty Brown (M65) 100m Hurdles 15.20
114 Responses
I haven’t posted before here, but I’d like to say how sorry I am for you loss, and how much I appreciate the work you do on the site.
Lyn
Ken,
I’m sorry to hear about your brother. He looks like you in the picture! Anyone who has gone through the death of a close friend or family member, seen first hand, can relate to and sympathize with your account. I’m sure you’ll always value the opportunity to be with him at the end.
Thanks for maintaining and writing this blog – it’s something that I, and I’m sure many others, appreciate a great deal.
Doug Thompson
Condolences Ken…
Ken,
I am saddened by such a great loss and I echo Doug’s sentiments.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peace and condolences.
Condolences to you Ken…we have never met but this page is the lifeblood for many of us and your dedication and passion for life and the sport is truly appreciated!
My condolences, Ken. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken, thank to you AND your family for ALL that you have done.
And thank you to Al setting up the great sports photo gallery.
Ken, our condolences from South Bend. You’re a good man and brother. Thank you both for carving out this space for all of us to share our thoughts and experiences.
Condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
You are in my prayers. Your work and his are much appreciated. Look forward always and we will do the same as we wait for your blogging to begin anew.
So sorry and sad to hear about Al. Be strong Ken and remember the love you have from our vast community.
Sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to your family and you.
wishing you peace as you deal with the present, fond memories of the past, hope for the future. thanks for all you do for our sport.
Very sorry to hear about your loss, Ken. We’ve never met but I can tell from following your site that you are a very caring and warm hearted man. I’m sure you brother appreciated your support until the end.
So sorry for your loss, Ken. I lost my sister in January from cancer, and it is a very big adjustment for us. Glad you were there.
Courtland
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother Al. I know how special he was to you and Chris and Robert. Hugs to all of you.
I’m sorry for your loss, Ken. Condolences to you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Take care. My thoughts are with you
This is a moving story of love and responsibility. It would be good for all of us if we could advance our soul forward, while in the comforting arms of a loved one. Good on you. Good for Al. Peace to you both.
So sorry for the loss of your brother. I am sure all your followers will understand if you take a breather for a while from blogging. All the best in dealing with a big loss.
I am very sorry for your loss… I love the picture you posted of your brother. Glad you were there for him as he went on to his next great adventure. You are both blessed.
Ken,
My heart goes out to you at this time while you mourn the loss of your brother. Take some time to heal and rest. You are in my prayers.
I’ve lost my mother and father-in-law (more like a father) in the last couple of years. No words can really provide comfort. Just know that my prayers are with you. It is good that he had family and love surrounding him in those last hours. Bless you for that.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time, Ken.
As usual, the incredible wisdom and support of the masters track community takes my breath away. Thank you, all, including those who wrote me privately.
I later posted an obituary for Al:
http://santamonica.patch.com/groups/al-stone-memorial-and-celebration-of-life/p/remembering-my-brother-al1958-to-2013and-his-career-in-chinese-medicine
Tonight I did my first track workout in two weeks. I started with my usual 10-minute jog, stretching, push-ups and 50m drills. Then I ran 3×200 in memory of the 3rd son.
My last 200 was 3 seconds faster than the others.
Ken,
I am very sorry for your loss… I love the picture you posted of your brother he does look so much like you. It was so warming to hear you were there for him and i can feel the love between you both. Sending out my love to you and your family. Also pleased to hear you are still out there on the track… all the best for your future endeavours
Marie Kay
Aus
God Bless You, Ken !!
Those of us that have been through a similar experience of such a loss know your pain. Words are hard to compete with all the love thats been expressed for you and your family. My first similar loss started my running, which helped a lot.
You are in our prayers.
Ed Dunaye
So sorry…
Ken and family, my prayers are with during this time of the loss of Al. Looks like you’ll life completed each other. He will always be with you in your heart. From myself and all the members of the Houston Elite, our prayers will be with you and the family. May God continue to bless and keep each of you safe.
Very sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and your family.
Its great that you were able to comfort him to the end, a true act of love, sorry for your loss.
My mom passed away after a similar illness very recently and I know how difficult this time is for you and your family. Be comforted by the thoughts and prayers of so many that care about you, including the McConkey’s.
Condolences Ken…
Ken,
Thank you for letting us know. I am so glad you were able to be there with and for Al. Thank you both so much for what you have done for the sport. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I send my thoughts of peace and healing to you and your family.
Your brother was a part of your website and your support of Master’s track, and I think your brother will be remembered when I read the future postings, because I know how much he contributed to the look of the site. (And if it looks funny or goes astray in the future because his expert guidance is no longer available, and you had to muddle through it yourself, I will definitely think of your brother!)
So sorry to hear about this, Ken, I had no idea. I knew that Al had a great sense of humor and that he was really good in the technical world, but I knew little else about him. And he was so young. All the best to you and to Al’s family.
Sorry for your loss . My condolences to you and your family . You have shown a lot of class . God bless the Stone family .
Ken:
Very, very sad and sorry to hear about this. As you may recall, Al helped me on one of my websites (and a fine job he did indeed). You were a great help to your brother in his final days, my sincere condolences to you and your family. -Grant L.
ps: just in case he doesn’t already know, I’ll inform Jess Brewer about this.
ken,
I am sorry for your loss.
may the coming days bring you peace
and solace.
you are in my thoughts and prayers,
v. amarasekara
Ken,
I am sorry for the passing of our Track Brother Al Stone. You and your family are in my prayers.
Kettrell
Ken–
I feel for you and am very sorry for your loss, cancer sucks. It’s great that you were able to be there to help him.
Thanks to you both for your work on this site.
Speaking of which, maybe you can embed a memorial to him on the landing page, as a founder? I for one am in his, and your, debt.
Ken, Sorry to read of Al’s passing.
My condolences to you and your family. -Rita
Sorry for your loss Ken. I wish you and your family the best during this difficult time. Nice to have an obituary written by a brother.
My condolences, Ken. A nice tribute on the track.
Ken, I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m glad you were with him at the end.
My heartfelt condolences for your loss, Ken. It was a wonderful gift for you to be together when he left.
Ken…Your experience with your brother was a beautiful story and moment in your life. You exemplify the true meaning of “Brotherly Love”. I’m proud to know you.
Please allow me to add my condolences, Ken. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Ken, I am very sorry for Al’s suffering, for his death, and for your grief. Al’s and your service to masters track and field is peerless and deeply appreciated. You have both managed lives esceedingly well lived.
Ken, I am very sorry for Al’s suffering, for his death, and for your grief. Al’s and your service to masters track and field is peerless and deeply appreciated. You will hopefully find some solace in the well-lived lives that you have both managed.
My condolences to you and your family Ken. Looking at the picture of Al on Venice beach brings back memories of my many enjoyable experiences at Venice while living nearby for a number of years. All the best to you and your family during this time.
My condolences to you and your family.
Ken, I honor you for awesome display of love as a brother. I also write to honor the work and memory of your brother Al. Peace prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Our condolences are with you and your family. In sympathy and prayers – The Sanders.
so sorry to read of this, but so happy to read of the love you and your brother shared…your families will be in our prayers …god bless !!
Ken , my condolences and prayers.
No more suffering, your brother (I believe) has left us and gone to a better place. Let’s not mourn his passing; instead, celebrate his life.
May God bless you and your family with strength and peace in your time of need.
My condolences to you and your family. It is both difficult and very special to be at the bedside of a dear loved one when they pass. I’m thinking of you.
My deepest condolences, Ken. And a lot of sympathy to your brother and yourself.
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your brother, My condolences to you and your family…and prayers for peace and tranquility during this very difficult time.
My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Keep smiling Ken, its at these times we all come to treasure even more the time we have left on this lovely plant.
I enjoy reading your website> I feel bad and offer you and your family my sympathy!
Hey Ken, i sorry to hear about your Brother,but im glad there’s no more suffering. I lost my oldest Brother to cancer 2 weeks ago.My only salvation is in the Lord. May God continue to bless you and your family.I love what you do for us masters.
My sympathy Ken, you were a good brother to Al – being there for him in his time of need. Hold on to the good memories – may they help heal the wound of your loss.
Ken, I am sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you and your family at this time.
Ken, pray for your peace , I too have lost a brother and know the hurt , may The Lord Bless your family.
To move on surrounded by the love and comfort of a brother and not connected to a soulless machine, man, that’s something we all can dream of. Ken, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us, your friends.
My condolences to you and your family, Ken. Your brother was lucky to have such a caring sibling as you.
Ken – I am so sorry to have about the loss of your brother. My condolences to you and your family. How thankful I am for all that he contributed to masters track!
God bless you and may your brother rest in peace.
It’s never easy to lose family. It is a blessing you were with him at the end
Ken, I am sorry for your loss. I am inspired by your loving, caring for your brother especially in his last days. We all thank you both for your great work for Masters Track.
Ken, thank you, for sharing your brother with us. May he rest in peace. Im sure Al is happy you hit the track again.
I am happy that you could be with your brother in his final hours on this earth. He is now in a better place, where there is no more suffering. He will always live on in the memories you shared together.
My condolences to you Ken. I stole this from your brothers facebook page (linked to above), and it is his words. I didn’t know him but this reveals a lot:
“Like a bubble magically appearing on the sea floor, we rise up from the depths till we hit the surface and pop our little bubble into the heavens above. Were we ever the bubble we think we are, or a breath of heaven forever rising to the surface?”
So sorry to hear about your loss, Ken. I am glad that you were able to be there for Al in his last moments. I am praying for you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You remained with your brother until the end and I am sure that he will be with you in spirit for the rest of your life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ken. I am so sorry for your loss.
Ken, you are a good brother, family member and human being. Put yourself to work in honor of your brother, and we will all feel his energy through you.
Sorry for your loss, Ken
Ken, you can see from all the Masters’ community how much we love and respect you and also share your pain–thank you for letting us be part of your farewell private time with your brother—we all learn so much more about life and appreciate it when we experience with someone (as we did with you) the trauma of loss. You are brave, faithful and loving and we will keep your family in prayer.
Ken, I am so sorry to hear of your sad loss of your brother Al. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You friend from across the pond. Lesley
My condolences Ken.
Sorry to hear about your brothers passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ken, it was very sad to hear of your brother’s death. Your love and devotion to him is inspiring. Condolences to you and all of your family in this difficult time.
Sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My condolences to you and your family. I just lost my father a few weeks ago and the pain is still fresh. Hang onto the wonderful memories you had together. Take comfort that he is not suffering anymore and is at peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Neni
Very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, Ken. The thoughts of your Masters family are with you.
Ken,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve played a few times at the Venice Beach drum circle. It is like church. If Al went every Sunday, I must have played with him. Warm regards,
Ed
Ken,
My deepest sympathies for you and your family on your brother’s passing. He sounded like a really cool dude who had an innate desire and talent to help people. As difficult as that last night may have been, I think you now being there for him was the best thing you could have done.
My Mom passed away this Mother’s Day, with my sister and her husband, my stepdad and his daughter, and myself being there in the middle of the night as well.
One thing I mentioned when I spoke at my Mom’s service was that she gave the best hugs–full of love, or comfort, or friendship. So I’m giving you one right now (((((Ken))))) in that spirit.
What a difficult, courageous, and wonderful gift to give to your brother–some comfort from your heart when he needed it the most. Thinking of you, Ken.
Condolences Ken Stone… My prayers are with you and your family. Cherish those memories as they will always put a smile on you
Condolences to you and your family.
Ken, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Take all the time you need to heal.
very sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, Ken. I bet he was smiling down as you were pounding out those 200 meter repeats. Keep running and know that the masters community is thinking of you in this tough time and always appreciative of all you do (and have done) for us!
Condolences to you and your family. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Sorry to hear of your loss Ken.
So sorry to hear of your sad loss. Comforting to know that you were right there with him. We are all thinking of you at this sad time.
I will pray that you find inner peace during this time of your brother’s passing. My sincerest condolence to you and your family. God Bless.
My condolences to you and your family Ken! God Bless you all.
I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you Ken however that didn’t stop the tear as I sit at my cube at work.
I’m saddened to hear of your loss and I wish that your family and friends find comfort.
Thank you for all that you do on the site, I greatly appreciate it & I wish you and your loved ones the very best.
Sorry to hear of your loss…Our thoughts and prayers are with you …
Hey he sounds like the greatest bro of all time
I am with you fellow jhawk
My condolence
So sorry, Ken. Sending lots of love from Boston.
I share your grieve from France
Thank you Al for helping to bring us all together here…another of your drum circles…Ken will keep you circle alive…
Condolences Ken
Deeply sorry for your loss Ken…stay strong my friend.
How sad for Al to be taken so long before his time and wonderful for him to have had you by his side. Deepest sympathy.
Ken:
I have been away from the site for a few days, so I didn’t see this until today.
You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your brother. I was deeply moved by the way you cared for him at the end.
Joanna
Sorry to read of your loss Ken. Please accept the Barton family sympathies.
My condolences Ken. This website means alot to us and serves as a legacy to your brother.
Sorry for your loss, Ken. I know it meant a lot to both of you that you were there to comfort him.
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