It was very sad to learn of Alan's death in the last Old Novos Newsletter. My memories of Alan are "pre-Australian," from primary school days (we were two of the kings in a nativity play!), through Grammar School and afterwards. Happy times shared cycling, bird watching, skating and facing his formidable bowling. A visit to my family in about 1958 prompted his move to NCB prospecting and just look where that led! Out of touch for many years but not forgotten. My sincere condolences to Dian and family.

Was saddened to hear of Alans passing. I will always harbour fond memories of "Cookie". He was brilliant and always full of humor and goodwill. May God bless you old friend.

Very sad to hear of Alan's passing, and my condolences go to his family. We collaborated professionally many times over the past twenty years, and I got to know him socially in Indonesia in the early 1990's, and again at a TSOP Conference in Patras in 2005. His insight and mentorship as a highly respected petrographer and geologist will be sorely missed in the petroleum geochemical and coal petrographic communities. RIP Alan.

A wonderful colleague in a community that has seen its ups and downs. Sadly, I never met Alan in person, but felt like I knew him through our interactions. My best to his family and friends.

Had a few exchanges with Alan, about music, oboe, Elgar's cello concerto... If I ever play it, I will surely have a thought for Alan...

Even though I'm not a paid-up member of airliners.net, I looked forward to reading "Baroque"'s posts for their wit and intelligence, and would regularly look at a thread when I saw he was the most recent poster. My condolences to his family and friends, for I think they must have lost a warm person.

I on www.airliners.net often was in touch with this memorable man and usually shared his views. I have never known or met him personally but in a way regarded him as a real friend. His passing away is very sad indeed, but death is unpredictable.

I also never met Alan, but I can remember sharing so many comments and messages with him via the airliners.net where his intelligence and wit was always so respected by everyone. This is a big shock and I'm saddened by this. He was ever the gentleman and the voice of reason, to a degree uncommon on that community. Rest well Alan (aka Baroque) - you keep on keeping them honest. It was a pleasure to know you, even if it was only online. I want to offer my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

Mr. Cook used to post on airliners.net under the username Baroque and was much appreciated by the member community at that site here are some posts on his passing http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/non_aviation/read.main/2387592/ He will be greatly missed, his support for issues regarding those being treated unjustly, regardless of race and religion will always be remembered, as will the brief email exchange with him in October that taught me what a wonderful person he was.

I knew Alan through a mutual interest we shared in aviation, and enjoyed discussions and debates with him. He had very strong opinions, many of which were different than mine, but he could listen and appreciate other positions. He brought a modicum of civility to the discourse on our forums that was above the norm. I am sorry that we won't be having that drink we discussed having when I come down there. My condolences to his family, and since I'm part Irish may I offer my happiness to have known him the way I did. He was interesting and challenging.

I only knew Alan through email and the internet, but even so I could tell I liked him and admired him. Alan was friendly and shared his knowledge with a lot of funny humour. Thanks, Alan.

I never actually met Alan, but we became friends and allies on Airliners.net . Intelligence and wit, what a combination ! An honour I have is to have been on Alan's "Respected User" list. A goal I had was to visit Oz and buy Alan a drink. Sadly, too late. Condolences to all family and friends. Rest well, my friend.

I never actually met Alan, but on Airliners.net we became friends and allies. Intelligence and wit, what a combination ! An honour I have is to have been on Alan's "Respected User" list. A goal I have had was to visit Oz (several cousins) and buy Alan a drink. Sadly, too late. Rest well, my friend.

Dear Alan. All memories now, interwoven through the years mingled with admiration for your achievements not only in Geology but for such things as playing ice hockey for Cambridge, feeding the birds from your hand in Jesmond Dene and conversing with Dian in Indonesian, The orchid you gave us in September is thriving Love, as ever, from your cousin (once removed), along with Peter and Eric

I am greatly saddened to learn of Alan's death. I liked and admired him greatly both as a scientist and as a decent human being. Moreover he was a fellow Geordie and was kind and helpful to me when I came to Australia from Tyneside in 1975. He was an outstanding geologist and a fine cricketer. I'm sure his "hat-trick" ball will be cherished by his descendants.

The most loving and wonderful Uncle anyone could wish for. Wonderful memories of visits to stay with us in England. Words can't express the love we had for our Dearest Uncle Alan.