We have to draw to the attention of members of the recent passing of Alec Hasenson. Alec was one of the old guard of the Society. He had been ill for a number of years and was unable to attend meetings.
Whilst a long-standing Life Member and Committee member he is most known for his role as Crossfire Editor from 1995 until 2003. In those days Crossfire was an 18 page document, stapled in the left hand corner and produced on a word processor. In his first issue, Alec moans about the lack of home grown articles, emphasises that he wants more British-ACW material and warns about copyright. Things haven’t really changed that much.
When he passed the Crossfire mantle over to me, he didn’t interfere. Except on one occasion when I received an article from him that was too big and I felt that I had to cut it down. I asked him for advice about it – “Don’t” was his reply. I am glad to have met him.
Greg Bayne
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My fondest memories of Alec were visits to his home, where we "refreshed" the Round Table at committee meetings, during my tenure as the then Chairman (now President) of the Round Table. Wonderful afternoon Teas; so British! Alec, as editor of 'Crossfire' and my unspoken mentor, led me through my sometimes impulsiveness with a gentle hand. I have lost both a colleague and a much loved friend
Tony Daly
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Over many years, during my early research, I was helped and encouraged by Alec Hasenson. I visited him, at his house and met his charming wife.
Members of the Round Table, like Alec, where vital in relation to my early investigations.
So sad to hear of Alec's death. Irene and I remember him well"
Jerry Williams
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I was saddened to learn of the sad loss of a stalwart of the Round Table, Alec Hasenson. I was introduced to Alec by Peter Lockwood at the first meeting I attended of the Round Table on 1 February 1997. I was quickly 'volunteered' to write up a report on the talks given at that meeting for the next issue of Crossfire. Subsequently, I worked with Alec contributing meetings reports to Crossfire for the next five or six years.
Alec was an enthusiastic Editor of our magazine which he left in fine fettle for his successor, Greg.
Quietly spoken, erudite and friendly, Alec was true gentleman.
John Murray
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So sorry to hear about Alec. He was one of the first people I met when joining ACWRT and I remember a meeting at his house in the 80’s when we formulated a strategy for the Round Table we have today. He was a true gentleman and a very intelligent one at that. Please pass my condolences to his family. We seem to be losing too many good people these days.
Peter Burrows
There is a fascinating interview with Alec about his life and upbringing at:
http://www.jw3heritage.org/portfolio/alec-hasenson/ give it a listen.