Guest Geezer Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 Pattaya Male has called and asked me to post that our dear friend Allen Briggs passed away this afternoon at 14:45. Arrangements will, of course, be posted later. Quote
Guest PattayaPlayers Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 Pattaya Male has called and asked me to post that our dear friend Allen Briggs passed away this afternoon at 14:45. Arrangements will, of course, be posted later. I am so sorry to hear this. I was looking forward to seeing him again on Friday. May you rest in peace, Allen, your contributions to our community will not be forgotten. Quote
Guest Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 So sad. My best regards to his family and friends. Quote
Gaybutton Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 As badly as we all feel, it is even more sad for many of us. Allen was to have been released from the hospital, move into a new condo in Jomtien Complex, and there was even to be a party for him and his friends this Friday afternoon. Those of us who were told about the party received the news about it only this morning. Based on getting that kind of news I thought he was improving. Now to hear that Allen died only a few hours later is coming as a very sad shock. Allen did so much for the gay community. His passing is a terrible loss. I suppose the usual cliché is the one about being glad his suffering is over. But that doesn't help very much. Goodbye Allen. I and many others are going to miss you more than can be said. You will not be forgotten and your legacy continues via the Weekly Reports. I also think both Travelerjim and PattayaMale deserve great recognition for having constantly been there for Allen over these last terrible weeks. I'm sure they're feeling a great personal loss. I spoke briefly with Ken, Allen's Thai boyfriend and owner of the Little Mango restaurant just outside of Sunee Plaza. Ken is holding up as well as can be expected. He said, "Half my heart hurt so much, but half my heart happy Allen not have to have pain more." Allen had been released from the hospital and was very happy and excited about his new surroundings at Jomtien Complex. It was exactly where he wanted to be and he was truly pleased right up until his final moments. Early this afternoon he took a turn for the worse and was taken by ambulance back to the hospital. He passed away in ICU. Allen's family and the USA Embassy have been informed. At this point nobody can be certain of the funeral arrangements, but from what I understand he will be cremated at Wat Chai. Once arrangements are known we will, of course, post them here. Quote
PattayaMale Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 "Allen's family and the USA Embassy have been informed. At this point nobody can be certain of the funeral arrangements, but from what I understand he will be cremated at Wat Chai. Once arrangements are known we will, of course, post them here." I want to thank Geezer for posting the information about Allen's passing and also Gaybutton for posting a wonderful picture of Allen. Allen heart failed him. He was revived at the condo and taken by ambulance to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital where he was met by Traveler Jim, Allen's boyfriend and me. He was conscious and gave my had a squeeze as he was rolled into the emergency ICU where he was attended to by his heart doctor and personal friend Dr Manoon. Shortly after his admittance to ICU, Dr. Manoon came out and reminded us that Allen had put in writing that he did NOT want to be revived. Dr. Manoon, Allen's boyfriend, TJ and I acknowledged that he did not want any extraordinary care or to be revived. So Allen's wishes were adhered to. Allen was very happy with his move to Jomtien Complex. He was glad he had been released from the hospital and could enjoy the sea view and see the activity around the gay beach. He was looking froward to the "meet and greet" we had planned for Friday August 14. He even requested that we have ice cream, which was one of the few things we could get him to eat. Last night Allen called me and said he wanted to thank me, Jim, and his caregivers (Pae, Mean, and Ood). He said that he was very happy to have been able to see old friends and his students and colleagues from Asian University. I joked that he would see them all Friday again. He said "Maybe". That was the last time I talked to him. Today when he squeezed my hand at the hospital shortly before he died I sensed that he was trying to relieve my worry and pain, letting me know that he was ready for what eventually came to be. He was a wonderful man. Our team is now planning for his celebration of life. The service will be at Wat Chai on South Pattaya Road. Right after Allen's cremation, please join us at Panorama for food and drinks (which Allen funded through an insurance policy. Remarkable planner!!). As a reminder that in lieu of flowers Allen's wish is that donations be made to his Memorial fund which will benefit Asian University. Details will be posted as soon as the US Embassy gives the hospital permission to release Allen's body. Quote
PattayaMale Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 How old was Allen? Allen was born January 15, 1932 Quote
Bob Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 Allen and David in Pattaya were helpful to me when I first hit the shores of the Land of Smiles and, for that, I'll always be grateful. A great guy - may he rest in peace. As GB said, I've admired the manner in which TJ, PM, and others cared for Allen. He was a lucky man. Quote
Guest ReneThai Posted August 10, 2009 Posted August 10, 2009 My condoleances too. I never met Allan in person , but we had some email contact in the past. And all the best to Ken Rene Quote
Guest xiandarkthorne Posted August 12, 2009 Posted August 12, 2009 My sincere condolences to Allen and his family. Xian Quote
