A man respected both on and off the pool table for his gentle nature and good humour was fondly remembered last Sunday during a memorial pool competition held in honour of Alan Carlson.

Alan, who passed away last month at the age of 78 after a short illness, left behind a lasting legacy in the local pool community.

A lifelong love for the game

His passion for pool began as a teenager in Durban, where his natural talent soon became evident. Alan went on to represent Natal in provincial competitions and may well have worn South African colours were it not for the sporting boycott of the time.

Although he spent his working life as a refrigeration technician, his heart always belonged to the pool table. Friends and fellow players gathered at The Rusty Bucket, where his favourite table still stands, to celebrate his life and contribution to the sport.

A tribute from the community

Players from The Rusty Bucket, Sandy’s, and Lone Star joined the competition — a testament to the deep respect Alan earned throughout the local pool circuit.

Known as a stickler for rules and etiquette, Alan was equally loved for his sharp wit and trademark greeting, always addressing others as “young man.”

The organisers expressed their gratitude to Wimpy, Liquor Zone, and Sheheel for sponsoring the prizes. In a fitting tribute to the spirit of friendly competition Alan embodied, Tinko took top honours in the tournament, with Pops finishing as runner-up.

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