He walked away.

No fanfare accompanied his passing this last Christmas Eve, but a good man joined his maker. It came as a shock to many of us when the news came. We knew the virus that attacked his heart in 1997 had reduced its capacity to function, but I'm sure, like me, few considered how serious it really was. Robert Alley was the Resident Agent in Charge of the Corpus Christi office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms when he was forced into retirement because of his medical problems. He was my friend and I will miss him.

Robert Alley, Danny Carpenter, Richard Inman and I all started work with the Bureau in the early 70's in Tyler, Texas. We were the young guys. The older agents were mostly interested in finding and destroying whiskey stills in the woods of North East Texas. We were the ones who cut our teeth on the newly revamped statutes of the 1968 Gun Control Act. We worked together for about five years before the fortunes of government service saw us all transferred to duty stations far apart. Richard Inman was the first to go, dying in an automobile accident. We all attended the funeral and it was just like no time had passed. Bob was the office historian and story teller and he kept us on track as we recalled all of the fun times we had during those early years.

Danny and I worked together again in the lower Rio Grande Valley late in our careers. We called and talked with Bob on occasion and once or twice we visited. It could have been more, but the press of our lives seemed to sweep us along as the years passed. Bob was a true friend. He was a man of his word and he valued those early days when we struggled to get started. Our wives also grew to know each other and all our reunions were pleasant ones.

A couple of weeks ago we attended Bob's memorial service. A collage of pictures scrolled across the screen set up in the chapel, taking us on a trip through his life. So many good memories. We had a good visit with Bob's wife Linda and made promises to be more diligent in staying in touch. Danny and Jean attended, along with Barbara and I and one former supervisor. But I was disappointed to see how few of the colleagues Bob touched during his working life showed up at the memorial. I did pretty good until the music started and, like it often does, upset my face. I had to reach for my handkerchief.

Sometimes those of us who carried the badge and enforced some unpopular laws were maligned in the press, but I worked with many who were not only good family men, but capable professionals. Bob Alley was one of the good guys. I offer this brief tribute to a man who deserved it. You will be missed. This poem was printed on his remembrance card

In Loving Memory, Robert Alley,

Indian Prayer

When I am dead

Cry for me a little

Think of me sometimes

But not too much.

Think of me now and again

As I was in life

At some moments it's

pleasant to recall

But not for long.

Leave me in peace

And I shall leave you in peace

And while you live

Let your thoughts be with the living.