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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Rebecca Wells
Alan Blum
August 2nd, 1957 - July 31st, 2020
August 2nd, 1957 - July 31st, 2020
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Tributes
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Jean Iversen
I first met Alan 15 years ago when I was trying to get my business, BYOB Chicago, off the ground. When I came to Sandberg Wine Cellar to meet with him, he was on the phone, with a huge yellow notepad in front of him, calling people to invite them to a wine dinner at a local BYOB restaurant. He was checking names off the list as he called. I thought to myself, I have to get on that list! I was way too shy to ask at the time. But soon after, we became fast friends, and he added me to that list. Alan and I shared a love not only for those huge, communal BYOB wine dinners, where wine, friendship, and laughter flowed, but also for music and feline friends. Alan had access to many of the wine and culinary events in the city, and often invited me along, introducing me like a proud papa: "She writes BYOB Chicago!" We all said, if there's anyone who knows what's going on in the wine business in Chicago, it's Alan. I've made many friends because of Alan's generous and supportive nature. In recent years, I would drop in to visit him at Sandberg when I was in the area, and we'd catch up and he'd steer me to some of his favorite wines in the store. It was wonderful to have such a kind friend. He was always supportive of my endeavors, even when it meant leaving the wine business for other pursuits. Alan always made me feel welcome and appreciated. He genuinely loved his friends and wanted to help them realize their dreams as much as he could. He brought us all together for those huge, communal dinners, and for that I am so grateful. He taught me patience and understanding, and my life has been enriched with his friendship. Long live his memory, and his light.
Janet E
I first met Alan 18 years ago. I stopped in at Potash Brother"s Sandburg Wine Cellar to meet the guy I was sending on a trip to France & Spain to learn about wine. I worked for the French agency that sponsored the trip. Alan & I became good friends right away. He introduced me to all of his wine trade contacts in Chicago. We had countless times spent together personally and professionally. My favorite memory was going to Ravinia Park to see Blondie & Pat Benetar in concert for his birthday. He loved music and his cats. Alan was one of my dearest friends who made a huge impact on my life. I loved him like a brother. Thank you to his family for creating this memorial. RIP Alan, God bless your soul. 💕
Shannon Wight
I had the joy and honor of meeting Alan on a teacher conference. My dear friend Rebecca introduced us to her Uncle Alan and he took it upon himself to show us the town. He was such a gracious, generous host and tour guide, giving us a tour of his wine cellar, treating us all to the most amazing five-star dinner, entertaining us with personal stories and Chicago history, and revealing some of the city's music & night life! Thanks to Alan I had the time of my life on this trip and memories that I will cherish forever!!
Katie B
I met Alan in 2012 when I first moved to Chicago for grad school and I got a job working part-time in the wine shop for a few months. Alan was one of the most generous people I had ever met -- with his time, his vast knowledge of wine, and his stories of his adventures (and misadventures) around the world. He was also one of the most understanding and supportive bosses I've ever had, always making sure I had everything I needed, always advocating for others, always showing people how much he valued them and their work. He loved to open up a bottle of something special and share it with someone who'd appreciate it. He loved to introduce me to his friends and share invitations to tastings and events throughout the city. I will always remember Alan as a caring soul who welcomed me to a new city with kindness, humor, and an unmistakable joie de vivre. Alan, you will be missed!
Sue
Alan had the kindest heart. I met him in 2004, but it feels like I've known him forever; with his inclusive style, he never stopped making friends and I was one of many. He was always quick to help, support, connect or share. He brought me back a souvenir from a buying trip to France, knowing my love for the country. He gave out bottles of wine, wanting to share a great find with me. He wanted people to succeed, encouraging me in a job search ('oh, we've got to find you something'), he invited me to many wine events that I never would have been able to afford on my own (like Chicago Gourmet or the rosé cruise on the Chicago river) and he thought the best of people (regarding a debutant in the wine world, he might say 'oh, but you're learning'). He was so proud of his friends' accomplishments as if they were his own ('she employs hundreds of people!'). His love even extended to Bob the cat, a neighborhood wanderer that would keep him company on his back patio. I think Alan saw any living creature as a possible friend and he collected a lot of "Bob the cats" in his life; we were lucky enough to hang out on the patio with him for a short while. P.S. I absolutely love the photos posted; the ones of Alan as a toddler or a young man with a mustache simultaneously make me laugh and cry.
Deanna Ortiz
Alan was one of my mom's good friends. I remember him being at all our family and friend get togethers growing up. He was so kind and funny. Rest in peace Alan. I'm sure my mom will be happy to see you again.
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