Alan Nye died May 16, 2015, a day after his 67 e birthday. He was born in the UK and also lived in Australia and Indonesia. He had six children from three marriages. His love of rugby meant he played all his life. Yes, it's true - he was still playing at the age of 66! His love of nature, history and exercise is reflected in the fact that three weeks before his death, he walked the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea. He contracted a bacterial infection or shortly after last epic adventure. Unfortunately this was the infection that eventually led to his death.
For all who met Alan Nye, he was gay, gentle intelligent man. For all those who knew him well, he was all that and more; he was a hero to many. He was incredibly loyal to his friends; generous, attentive and enthusiastic about life. Problems were mere speed bumps in the lives of Alan, the issues to be negotiated with care - or speed -. So they do not hinder the success
He loved his rugby - both codes - because of the camaraderie he brought and the tales he peddled. Indeed, few, if any, have adapted its contribution emotional, physical, technical and financial support to Indonesian rugby. Many of his friends will remember him for rugby and others will remember him for his enthusiasm for life.
Alan liked to climb a mountain, ride a bike, take a long walk - all that kept him active and in good company where he could shoot a story, tell a joke or discuss philosophical discussion the most complex. Alan had a playful wickedness around him that could be maddening and endearing.
When things went wrong for which he was clearly to blame, he tended to say that half of the story and then claim innocence he did not complete the story because he has not been requested. For example, his son, Stephen and David, say Alan advice to their mother, Sue, in the 1980s when he got a job at Blair Athol. Families in the UK, it does not seem too much of a problem until they realize Alan spoke of Blair Athol coal mine in Queensland, Australia - not the distillery in Scotland. Years later, Alan would smile cheekily that he never told the whole story because the family never asked.
As difficult as it must have been at the time for his family to leave the UK, we are grateful that he has taken this turn in life because it finally led Indonesia. Over the past 25 years, he built a reputation in the Indonesian mining community and eventually established Britmindo 11 years ago. Later, with his son Stephen and David, they have continued to grow the business in the Britmindo Group today, employing over 120 Indonesians. He was known for his integrity and passion to do a job well, if it was forming a new young recruit or work with a multinational.
Alan was read with an eclectic range of interests, including a love of plants and flowers, poetry, philosophy and, of course, geology. He was a simple man. He had only a watch, a phone that was very modern 10 years ago, and a sense of fashion that required a lot of attention. But he never looked more he needed. Among the things he never wanted was sympathy.
During a long rugby career, he played well into his 60s, he had multiple injuries, including a broken neck, collarbone and ankle.
He also survived a prostate cancer.
None of these simple backhand down his love for action or for life and her determination and perseverance had him back for more. He practiced every day and was in better shape than many men half his age.
This heroic exuberant lust for life defined him for many; he was always ready to come back for more. That's why we miss him so much - we expect to break into our lives, ready to do it again
Alan is survived by his parents, Bernard and Betty, his brother Eric, wife Cynthia and twin daughters Allys and Allyn and Annisa Adam and his second marriage and eldest son Stephen and David from his first marriage. Alan also has three grandchildren, Mikaela, William and Aidan.
