[E. Shaun Russell]

For quite a long time, based on his writing and posting style, I thought "Allen Tice" was a punny pseudonym, a homophone for "I'll entice." While I eventually learned that's not the case, I still thought of him that way, and probably always will.

[Sarah-Jane Crowson]

That's terrible news. I am so sorry for his family. I am not going to post an image, as he hated my images (but was, behind the scenes in PM's, interesting, interested and kind - whilst still hating my images).

You could read in his work how much he loved his family, and they him. This must be devastating for them, and just before Christmas, too.

Sarah-Jane

[R. Nemo Hill]

Years ago, in New York City, I approached Allen about reading some of John Berryman's Dream Songs at an event I was organizing. He seemed willing, and I am sorry nothing ever came of it. It would have been unforgettable.

Such a shockingly swift exit.
Rest in peace.

Nemo

[David Callin]

I am very sorry to hear this.

[Jayne Osborn]

Oh no! I've been laid up for a few days with a bad cold and cough, so I've only just seen this. What a shock. Poor Allen.

I always joked that he was "other-worldly", not on the same planet as the rest of us... as a lot of his posts left me scratching my head wondering what the hell he was on about.

Like everyone else, though, I was fond of Allen and will miss him. I did a bit of research for him a few years ago, when he needed copies of some ancient manuscripts held only in a British university, not too far from where I live. Allen was very appreciative and I was delighted to be able to assist him.

Condolences to his wife and family.

Jayne

[Mark Blaeuer]

Sorry to hear this. I didn't always "get" his posts, either, but they were never dull. Any seeming oddity was proof of the gaps in my own education, I figured. Glad his work found publication.

[David Rosenthal]

I only knew Allen here. He was the most original poster here or maybe anywhere I can think of. Very sad to hear of this.

[Tim McGrath]

I think that Allen liked Thomas Gray's great "Elegy." How could he not?

There at the foot of yonder nodding beech
That wreathes its old fantastic roots so high,
His listless length at noontide would he stretch
And pore upon the brook that babbles by.

Once you get started with Gray, it's hard to stop.

Can storied urn or animated bust
Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath?
Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust,
Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?

[Mark McDonnell]

I am so sorry to hear this. Allen was a real one off. His comments and crits always made me laugh even when I sometimes hardly understood what he was talking about. I never got the sense he was showing off his erudition, rather that it was just him. Strange and unique and very good-hearted I think.

[R. S. Gwynn]

Sad news. I let him down once over a blurb (I missed his message), but he forgave me.