Shame to hear this. Nice fellow. The only astronaut I ever met. Kinda felt like I knew him when I was a kid. Saw him on several occasions. He was kin to my Aunt's next door neighbors. He occasionally visited the neighbors and my aunt kept up with his career through the neighbors. After Apollo 12 I was older and could have properly appreciated talking to him, but never saw him after that.
The photo being circulated by the Press Association: Nice to see he still wore his commemorative Speedmaster
Hearing the news of the passing of Captain Bean is saddening. I’m sure he is now back sailing the Ocean of Storms and catching up with Pete and Dick. Captain Bean was the first and only astronaut to decline signing a piece for my collection, yet after a bit of accommodating he became the first Moonwalker to add a piece to my collection. After he signed, I think the others that I approached felt more comfortable about participating in my project. If it was not for him my collection would exist to the extent it does today. Captain Bean should be remembered as a husband, father, explorer and great guy.
I was out of the country when this happened, and didn't get news of it until recently. My heart sank when I read it... Al was among the kindest men that I have met, and went above and beyond what anyone would ever expect of him in order to accommodate a fan - and what's more is that my experience was not unique. His kindness and generosity was widely known. RIP Al. You mean a lot to a young man still in pursuit of his dreams.
Alan Bean designed limited time piece Shinola http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-112118a-shinola-moon-bean-watch.html