In the forty years we have been in business we have seen a lot of folks come and go. Some have simply moved away, while others have ultimately left this world entirely. It’s something we have come to expect…but we didn’t expect to lose one of our own. Long before he was old enough to drive, Connecticut’s Alex Burdo would spend each summer probing through our book section or chatting with us about birds. Eventually, young Alex learned to drive, graduated from Brown University and became a highly respected birder. He was also one of our favorite seasonal employees.
We knew Alex had some health issues, but we just talked about birds. Personal stuff only got in the way. A few weeks ago I sent him a message on his 27th birthday and he sent back an upbeat note. Sadly, that would be the last time I would hear from him. The heartbreaking news has just reached us that Alex has lost the battle he spent so many years fighting.
Thanks, Alex, for teaching us so much about birds, for being an unforgettable employee and a wonderful friend. I’m sure the birds are going to miss you…I know we already do.
