Alexander Metcalf Wert ’74, 61, died on April 25, 2012, two months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family at his home in Woodside, Calif. Al was born May 1, 1950, and adopted by Ann Beyer Wert and Robert J. Wert of Menlo Park. He grew up on the Stanford campus where his father worked for the President’s Office. Al later graduated with a BS in Business from Santa Clara University and became a general building contractor. He owned a successful general contracting business on the peninsula where he remodeled and built homes for 30 years. After retiring in 2009, he devoted himself full time to his passion for radio controlled helicopters. A true entrepreneur, he founded Starwood Scale Models, an internationally recognized model business, and worked tirelessly to develop and build flying scale models for sale around the world. Through this venue, he touched the lives of hundreds of fellow helicopter enthusiasts, helping them to successfully complete projects with generous expert advice. He concurrently sponsored and organized several annual scale helicopter events to foster interest in this hobby, while promoting the highest level of quality, craftsmanship, and integrity within the modeling community. Always willing to lend a hand to any who displayed genuine interest or need, he frequently sought to improve the lives of others and share his passion for life. Al spent his days enjoying the quiet natural beauty of the redwood forest surrounding the home he designed and built in Woodside. In his spare time, he explored astronomy, rock collecting, and crafting his own detailed scale models. He brought enthusiasm, honesty, and compassion to all aspects of his life and will be sorely missed. He is survived by his wife, Laura Reed, and his children, Eric and Hilary Wert. He also leaves his brother, Peter Wert of San Rafael, California and his sister Amy Johnson, of Woodinville, Washington, several nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of close friends.