Alan James Champagne adored his family and treasured life. At the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, he was a project manager, and helped to facilitate and realize decent homes for many New England residents. On February 16, 2009, Alan and his son, Colin, went skiing for the day. While on his last run, Alan, 57, fell and suffered a fatal brain injury. Alan was able to donate his heart, kidneys, and liver, as well as tissue and corneas. "It was a time of such loss and heartache, yet I knew he'd given so much to so many others," said his wife Virginia Champagne. "Alan's gifts live on in good health to others - what a wonderful legacy."

Alan's Story

Alan James Champagne adored his family, was a great friend, and treasured life and those around him. The oldest of five children and tall at 6'6", he attended school in his local town of Lowell, MA, at Fitchburg State College, and did his graduate work at Boston University. Alan also served for a year as a Vista volunteer.

At 57, Alan had spent his professional career as a project manager at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, where he helped to facilitate and realize decent homes for many New England residents. His nickname was "Big Al, the tenants' pal."

Alan was an avid sailor, loyal New England Patriots fan, runner, and hiker. He loved the outdoors and all of its beauty. He was a responsive, compassionate man who loved to laugh and tell stories with great fun. As his wife of 24 years, Virginia Champagne said, their son Colin "was fortunate for 18 years that Alan loved, guided, supported and taught him life's important lessons by being his example."

On Monday, February 16, 2009, Alan and Colin went skiing for the day in New Hampshire. They planned to be home in time for dinner. While on his last run, Alan fell and suffered a fatal brain injury.

"At the hospital, we navigated, family aside, and the blessings of last rites, to find peace and cherish our last moments," said Virginia. "Earlier that day, I had been approached about organ donation. Without hesitation, I said, Yes. Alan would help anyone. His brother, Jimmy, had been a kidney and pancreas recipient years earlier, so Alan knew the joy of life's gifts. Indeed his spirit could live on in others."

The next day, February 17, Alan donated his heart, kidneys, liver, tissue and corneas. Weeks later, Virginia received a letter about the organ recipients, both medically and personally.

"It was a time of such loss and heartache, yet I knew he'd given so much to so many others," Virginia recalled. "Alan's gifts live on in good health to others - what a wonderful legacy. Alan's memory is honored, lovingly personified by the everlasting story, life."