I am devastated at news of the loss of Apollo 12 & Skylab II Astronaut, Alan Bean (March 15, 1932 – May 26, 2018). Alan Bean was a hero in so many respects, as a Navy test pilot, an astronaut, 4th man on the moon during Apollo 12, commander of Skylab II living in space for 59 days, an amazing artist and an incredible wit, but most importantly he was a dear sweet human being. Someone with a childlike sparkle in his eyes who genuinely enjoyed life and the people he met. He was touched by the beauty of our planet, humanity, and all life and that awe at the wonder of creation was contagious. His joy and good humor are irreplaceable. There simply will not be another like him.
I was incredibly fortunate to know him for about 20 years and cannot possibly recount all the wonderful conversations we had over the years. There was a sincerity and genuineness about him though that, irrespective of any particular conversation, always shined in him that I will always carry with me as long as I live – he was truly a beacon in this world.
I first met him in person during a visit with him at his Houston home and studio in 2000. Though we had corresponded through the mail and by phone before that this was one of the best days of my life – I was so fortunate speak with him at length about his career, see some of his space memorabilia, his incredible paintings, the flag from his spacesuit he cut up to include threads in his paintings… so fortunate throughout the years to see him at various shows around the country and share a meal or a drink… all these great memories I can’t begin to recall right now… I can’t express what a joy he was to be with.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences to his family, especially his daughter Amy Sue Bean, all his friends and colleagues and the whole world that this wonderful man is gone … This is a sad and difficult day. I was going to see him again this July at Spacefest. His absence will leave a hole.
No words are adequate. I will miss you Alan and your incredible spirit. Godspeed.
Please note that out of respect for Alan and his family, all Bean autographs have temporarily been removed from the store. In the meantime, below are some of my favorites from my collection as I reflect upon his life:
Alan Bean describes his mission on a photograph of his lunar tracks and a montage of images of him on the moon.
Alan Bean’s wit is evident in this image.
This is a print of Alan Bean’s painting “Is Anyone Out There?” in which Bean looks heavenward and asks if there is an all-powerful being out there that is in charge of everything in the Universe. I pointed out to Alan that his crew mate, Command Module Pilot Dick Gordon, was at that moment “out there” 60 miles above the moon and in charge of their ride home.
Alan got a kick out of that, saying, “I didn’t even think about that!”, so I had Alan write on the print, “Is anyone out there? Is there an all-knowing all powerful being out there who is in charge of everything?”
… and Dick wrote ” I was out there! (and in charge of our ride home)”
Two great guys you were always happy to be around…
always clowning and joking around..
With Alan Bean and Russian cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, the first person to “walk” in space and fellow artist in 2006.
Buzz Aldrin in an animated discussion with Alan in 2014 while my girlfriend and I listen in.
Whenever I’ve seen Buzz with Alan, Buzz seemed very animated (here in 2006).
The last time I got to see Alan in person was at Spacefest 2016.
