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Karen Crawford Stromquist
So many years have passed and I don't rememeber now if I ever had any classes with Sky. What I do remember is that I had always thought of him and Neil Berinhout as the brainiacs in our class. I seem to remember pictures of Sky holding ribbons from science fairs or whatever. I recently discovered that Sky was murdered in his early thirties, by someone trying to steal his very expensive car. I hope that Sky is now at peace. It is still such a shock to me that there are people from our class who have passed away. My memory of Sky and all of others are of they way they were in 1975, and the memories are very dear to me.
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Pamela Edelstein (1975)
Throughout junior high and high school, it seemed I shared virtually every class and every extracurricular activity (e.g., band, school newspaper) with the same triumvirate of talented boys: Sky Alland, Neal Berinhout and Jimmy Hare. It was with Sky that I had the most complex relationship, at least to the degree that 13-year-olds can have complex relationships. There were so many things I found compelling about him. Whereas most teenagers just want to fit in, Sky went out of his way to do just the opposite. He had a perfectly ordinary first name, but chose to go by his uncommon middle name. And he carried an attaché case in the 7th grade, for heaven’s sake! I’ve no idea why he didn’t get beat up more often, though he was capable of using his intellect as a weapon and was an extraordinary public speaker.
When my family first moved to Jacksonville, we lived in the same apartment complex as Sky’s family. His father was away a lot on business, and Sky developed a close relationship with my dad, one that continued even after Sky moved to Charlottesville, graduated from UVA, and started to distinguish himself in the business world. I had a chance to visit Sky in the early 80s at his home just outside the Beltway. He had clearly put his talent and drive to good use and was prospering. I told him I was worried that he wasn’t having enough fun; he retorted that I (having settled in San Francisco) was doubtless having too much fun. We were probably both right. In the early 90s, I had work that brought me to the DC area again. Sky and I made plans to get together, but there was a mix-up and it didn’t happen. “Next time,” we said.
By the time our 20th reunion rolled around, both Jimmy and Sky were gone. Neal, the sole remaining member of the trio, turned out to be a lovely man. I’ve had the good fortune to visit him and his beautiful family (four girls, last I heard) a few times. He is bright and kind, with a dry wit and self-deprecating manner. I’m probably embarrassing him. (Sorry, Neal.)Marcia Early (Thiel) (1975)
Eve, Sky was President of Key Club and I was the "Sweetheart." He was a special guy ... told me literally "you have what it takes above the neck." He was a serious young man with a sense of humor. I'm sure you miss your brother. love to you. Marcia
Eve Alland 76' Owens
Thank you for remembering my wonderful Brother!
Sky was taken from us in the early hours of February 18th, 1992, during a carjacking in Laurel, Maryland (just outside of Baltimore). The case was solved and the assailant is serving life with no parole in federal prison.
Sky was an awesome person and has been missed so much by his family. His memory lives on in many ways for he never forgot or passed by a friend in need.
Thank you Sky for being my brother!
Ann Marie Scott (Pauly) (1975)
It is always shocking when you discover someone you knew as being dead at an inappropriate time. More so when a product of violence. Like Pam I remember Sky as one of the smart ones. He marched to his own drum (except at halftime) and had an air of confidence that was refreshing for someone so young. My heart and prayers to his family. THX AMP