I remember the Mariposa booklet in which Al was headlined. On the same pages were Ian and Sylvia, Gordon Lightfoot and other notable contemporaries. He was proud of this but there was a sense of sadness in his voice. I don't wish or feel that I need to defend or apologize for being a Scientologist (re: Rick's statement, who I admire as a person and singer/songwriter)but that's where I first met Al - at a Church event. Al was kind and generous and gentle. He performed at several benefit concerts, one being at the Latvian Centre where I was the stage manager. He played often at Caps on Sherbourne. He was a practitioner of Tai Kwon Doh. He had a Guild D-28 which I had purchased with the agreement he could repurchase. However, he quickly obtained in a matter of a few weeks a nicely hand crafted guitar with distinct, clear sound and a cedar top. He stayed for a few months on the couch in our apartment when we lived Queen/Lansdowne. He had lock-jaw. My wife Valerie spoon-fed him during this time. I was saddened that Al couldn't stay with us longer. He brought a light into our lives. I hope he knows this.