In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Apollo 12 (Nov. 14 to Nov. 24, 1969), the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center in East Garden City was honored to welcome Leslie Bean, wife of beloved astronaut and artist Alan Bean, who gave a free public lecture sharing stories and insights into the astronaut’s life and artwork.
Leslie spoke of Alan lovingly, how much he cared about people and how influential he was in changing lives.
Shuttle astronaut, New York Times bestselling author and occasional The Big Bang Theory guest star Mike Massimino, who was greatly influenced by Alan, was close to the couple. Massimino attended the lecture in honor and support of Leslie and Alan’s legacy. He acknowledged Leslie’s career contributions in advocating for patient’s rights and medical ethics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
“They were always trying to help others. Amazing couple. A life well lived with career and life partner,” Massimino said.
Introducing Leslie, Massimino shared, “Alan was an amazing person, aviator, engineer, astronaut, walked on the moon, but also an incrediblely talented artist. I’ve never met anyone with those kinds of talents; that combination, to be a test pilot and astronaut at that level and an artist at that level.”
He went on to describe Alan as an “extraordinary individual, a very unique person, very kind and so loving. No matter who he was talking to, always so caring and loving. I try to live my life with that same spirit. Every minute was a special minute. He lived every minute to the fullest. He made everyone around him feel better about themselves. He was an inspiration for me.”
Select reprints of Alan’s artwork are on display at the museum until end of 2019.
Submitted by the Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center.
