RADM Alfred P .Manning
RADM Al Manning Crossed the bar on 19 February 2006 in Seattle, WA. No longer will we hear the familiar voice of our friend at the quarterly Coast Guard Retiree Northwest Council meetings. No longer will we be able to gather at Coast Guard picnics with Admiral Manning, listening to him spinning the lore of the mariner with sea stories of his experiences. His voice is silent. No longer will we see the sparkling vibrant eyes of our fellow Coastie veteran. His eyes are closed for earthly eternity. RADM Al Manning was one of those heroes who didn’t think of himself as a hero, but there are many that served with him that might disagree. He was an inspired leader, a thoughtful follower, and a grateful servant in his called and chosen profession in the Coast Guard. What better qualifications for a hero.
Admiral Al Manning was a diligent and tireless supporter and advocate of the Coast Guard Retiree Council Northwest and those that he represented. He went above and beyond the call of volunteerism. I have been blessed to know Admiral Manning for nearly 9 years that I have been on the council. His leadership and counsel has been a prime reason for the continued success of the council. The Coast Guard Retiree Council Northwest has enjoyed and continues to enjoy a very credible position in the Coast Guard family and beyond due in part to the co-chairmanship of Al Manning. On a personal note, I valued highly the Admiral’s friendship, counsel, wit and wisdom, and general goodwill every time I have been blessed to be with him. He was truly a remarkable man and a super “shipmate.” I will miss him but I surely know where the “Shanty Irishman” is at this moment in time.
I know that our veteran heroes will continue to “step up to the plate” and follow in the footsteps of those passed from us. We will continue to honor our departed servants as we always have. We now honor and pay tribute to one of them who has now passed from this world. Voltaire once said, 'I know of no great person, except those who have rendered great service.” I can only say “Well done, thou good and faithful servant, Admiral Al Manning. Your days have been accomplished. You have fought the good fight and left us with many wonderful special thoughts and memories to remember you by. Even in your absence, may you add spark and life to our council gatherings, but most of all, may you rest in peace in the Creator’s eternal bosom, my friend.
02/25/06 Submitted by: MCPO (ret) Charles Craig rastypuma@comcast.net
