Alan Alipoon

You left a print in my academic and now my professional journey. Because of you I can read an X-ray and interpret some cardiograms; I know the meaning of HFpEF and its normalcy. I still have that cardiology book you required us to buy in our last quarter. . You were so knowledgeable in what you taught. Though your exams were hard you will make sure we understand and there were always extra credits available in case 😌 and this is because you wanted us to be successful. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and time with us. My heartfelt Condolences 💐 to your family and the school of allied Health at Loma linda university. You will be missed .

LLuGrad 2022

I still cannot believe that Alan has passed! He was the sweetest, most gentle man I have known. I feel blessed to have worked with him these past several years. Alan was an example for all of us to emulate for his strong faith, commitment to excellence, and compassion for all. I am very sorry that I will not be able to attend his memorial service, but I will be there in spirit and prayer for this most extraordinary man.

My original acquaintance with Alan came through his wife, Laura, a colleague of mine and long-time chair of the Radiation Technology program in the School of Allied Health professions. At that time, Alan was working as a respiratory therapist at Loma Linda University Medical Center. One of the first things I remember about Alan is his engaging and captivating smile. He never missed a chance to make someone feel welcome and valued when greeting them with his winsome smile.

A particular memory that has remained with me over the years is linked to an invitation from Alan to visit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Children’s Hospital where he had previously been a therapist. At the time of the invitation, he was a supervisor in the adult units. That visit was a fascinating event for me, being able to observe the technology therapists were using to support neonates, and the care and dedication shown to their tiny patients. But what I took away from that visit was a realization of the high esteem Alan was held in by his colleagues. Their respect for him was palpable, made evident by the compliments they shared with me about him. That visit gave me a peek into the relationships he had built over time with his therapist and nurse colleagues.

After meeting Alan for the first time, it did not take long to recognize he had a love of nature. It was a passion we both shared. He knew a great deal regarding Southern California’s natural ecosystems and could talk animatedly and at length about them. I cannot be certain what nature topic was his favorite as he was able to discuss a broad spectrum of natural interests; but I think it was probably birds. That was often the focus of our informal chatter when I was visiting his office. One day he texted me a picture he had just taken through his office window. It was a pair of Red-shouldered Hawks on a light pole not more than 25 feet from his window. It was a spontaneous shot but perfectly composed. I’ve tried to locate it to share but so far have come up empty-handed.

Having been born and raised in the Philippines, Alan was a veritable encyclopedic naturalist of his home area. On occasion when visiting his office for professional reasons, we would be distracted by a question I might ask, and he would proceed to regale me with stories of his childhood – the family farm which he worked with his uncle, the nearby jungle and the ocean with its coral reefs. He was a wonderful storyteller.

One of the most firmly rooted memories of Alan and his capabilities as an academician are tied to the Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology program in the School of Allied Health Professions. When LLU was encouraged by consultants to open a Cardiac Electrophysiology Technology program, it was Alan and the Cardiopulmonary Sciences Department that took on the challenge. Hundreds and hundreds of hours went into that project and it seemed roadblocks, diversions and professional mandates would never go away. Alan was resolute in his dedication and unyielding in his tenacity to build that program, and the program ultimately opened. One could write a book describing that saga. Needless to say, challenges did not end with program launch. Unexpected issues seemed to pop out of nowhere. Meeting Title IV financial aid requirements; fine-tuning accreditation mandates; unexpected administrative and academic demands, and many others. Alan refused to give up and the program continued to take root and grew. It is now in the Radiation Technology department, continuing under strong leadership. That program is a legacy Alan leaves with us.

Prior to his passing Alan was program director for the post-professional Bachelor’s of Science degree in Respiratory Care, and Chair of the department. The post-professional program is fully online, so Alan’s interactions with his students were over the world wide web. In spite of the remote nature of the program, his students were the center of his efforts. He was well-regarded by them and dedicated to their success, contributing many hours developing online lectures. Those lectures were delivered online and on time, as were tutoring and advising appointments. In the wake of his passing, several of his students with whom I have been in communication have passed unsolicited kudos to me regarding Alan.

I will miss the occasional lunches with Alan. I will miss the business that turns to stories in his office. I will miss comparing notes on birds. And I will miss his contributions to our school. I already miss Alan. But Alan was a believer in the Blessed Hope of Heaven, and the joy that will be ours when we can be reunited. I look forward to when I can be with Alan again.

To our dear friends, the Alipoons, who have given time and energy traveling around the world to improve life for others through education and clinical excellence:

We are so blessed having known Alan and worked with him over so many years. Alan and I first met when I was just 17 years old working as an orderly on 9300 at the time when Alan and his brother were specialists over on 9100 and other units... I told them I wanted to be a respiratory therapist and was then involuntarily introduced to inhaled acetylcysteine by their lesser co-workers... :-)

Alan and Laura's friendship has meant so much to us in our life journey. Alan was all about high standards as he prepared his students to care for others. He actually taught and mentored two of our sons, and likely never imagined one of them would care for him one day.

I know Alan had the best of care this world had to offer...but this world is not enough. Heaven is real, and we are grateful we have that to look forward to. We pray that the assurance of the promise of eternity together will bring comfort to Laura and the family; and others who loved Alan.

Alan loved the Lord and he lived his life treating everyone with kindness and respect. We worked together for many years at Loma Linda University Medical Center and the very best thing he did as a Manager in the Respiratory Care department (in my humble opinion) was to hire a particular new graduate who several years later, became my wife! Thank you Alan!

Alan was a genuinely kind-hearted person whose warmth and generosity touched everyone around him. A good listener is a rare gift, and he offered that gift freely making people feel seen, heard, and valued. His presence brought comfort, and his quiet strength made a lasting impression. He will be deeply missed, but his kindness and welcoming spirit will continue to live on in the hearts and memories of all who had the privilege to know him. Ghassan & Manal Kassab

Alan was a very dedicated respiratory therapist colleague. He mentored and taught me many things over the decades.

Unfortunately I don't have a picture of Alan & I playing golf but I did want to share how much we appreciated Laura & Alan being our neighbors. When Alan was out working in the yard we would talk a bit & share what we were up to & it always seemed to turn into a conversation about golf. I had the pleasure of getting out on the golf course a few times with Alan & I must say I was impressed with how well he played, it was always a good day! He will be missed!

I first got acquainted with Alan when we started and completed our Master of Science in Health Professions Education degree together. Alan was very dedicated to learning and was very proud of the program he taught. I was always amazed at the ideas he had for teaching in a discipline I knew nothing about.

We also served together in the University Faculty Council where he was always thoughtful in his shares.

Our wives share an uncle, so we were looking forward to making some memories in retirement.

I never had the privilege of working alongside Alan, but even as a distant observer of his life, it was clear that he had a loving heart for others. His kind smile, willingness to step up when needed, and dedication to the SAHP was appreciated from afar! I look forward to getting to know him in heaven. 💖

Your passion for teaching, your kindness, and your belief in every student left a lasting mark! You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered! I’m grateful to have been your student and also teach alongside you years later! Rest in peace!

My first memories of Alan were from when I was an x-ray student and he came to discuss how respiratory therapists play a role in patient management. He was so knowledgeable and approachable as a professor, it was a humble quality I admired.

Years later when I returned as LLU faculty, I was privileged to have him teach courses in my program for Radiologist Assistant students. His courses on Pathophysiology and Pharmacology were tough for students due to the new content, but they all loved him so much.

This picture from my daughter's first birthday party always makes me smile! It is Alan as the proud husband, father, and grandfather =] A role he was so happy to speak about and share how special his kids and grandbabies were to him.

Alan was a big part of our Rad Tech family and I will always be grateful for getting to know and work with him. I will forever hold on to these happy memories and keep his family in my prayers.

I had to hunt for this photo on my phone from a past Baccalaureate at LLU as I loved it so much. I have fond memories of Alan over the years: from him teaching how to use a pulse oximeter in fundamentals of health care ...to meetings on campus... to events that celebrated our students.

Today, I reflect on his dedication to his role as a grandfather, husband, father, educator, and clinician. I realize that the order of those roles can shift day to day, however, Alan seemed to be an energizer bunny who worked his best to be his best at each role in his life. I will cherish the times we did have together as well as continue to remember him in my work to emulate what I saw in his work ethic, positive outlook, and dedication to the roles in which he supported everyone in his life.

I remember Alan working on unit 9100, he was one of my first supervisors. He was always kind and instructive while guiding me to become a more efficient RCP. I have never seen him to lose his cool, he was very quick in getting answers to all my questions. Through the years, I remember that he was a big fan of photography, and he would show me some of his pictures. He was also proud of the fact that his daughter was getting into photography as well. Alan was always a happy family man; I think that was more of a legacy for him. I will surely miss his very quick smile and approachable style.

Alan was my professor at LLU a couple years ago. He went above and beyond to ensure the success of our class. Although his courses were challenging, his commitment to our individual success was inspiring and instrumental in me becoming an RT. I valued his kindness, expertise, and the discipline he instilled in me. I am very sad to hear about his passing but hold his memory dear to my heart.