This past weekend, I said farewell to a good friend (Mickey Alston) who passed away at age 81. Mickey was a retired New York City police detective (and an Air Force veteran) who I first met through his daughter (Jackie) while stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, OK. Jackie, her husband (JC) and their son, Justin were stationed at Tinker around the same time my wife and I were reassigned and arrived from Germany. Mickey (and his wife) would visit Oklahoma City from New York City periodically to spend time with Jackie and her family. We would sometimes get together for fellowship and outings at the homes of various friends to cook out, play cards (bid whist) and partake in adult beverages.
One of the most powerful examples of love I’ve ever witnessed, was when Jackie died unexpectedly in 2004 at age 41, Mickey promptly moved to Oklahoma City, bought a new home, and gladly stayed to help raise and support Justin. He was a devoted granddad.
My relationship with Mickey was largely social, but I knew him as a wonderful human being who loved his family dearly and once told me, “I’m very grateful that I have lived long enough to see my grandson become a young man.” Justin went on to graduate from college at the University of Oklahoma and also obtained his master’s degree.
In light of all the lives lost to the COVID pandemic, where families were not able to pay their final respects, the funeral was a reminder of how important it is to say farewell to those we love and respect as an important part of the grieving process. Mickey’s graveside services were attended by his family, a few close friends, and representatives of the Air Force Honor Guard from Tinker Air Force Base. He was a good man and dear friend who I will always remember. May Mickey’s example live on in others whose lives he touched. Please keep the Alston family and friends in your prayers.