Alan Talkington ’78

Our class lost its Frisbee master when Alan died Nov. 18, 2014, from a rare, rapid neurodegeneration.

Alan graduated magna cum laude from the Woodrow Wilson School and with equal distinction from Harvard Law in 1981. He clerked in the U.S. Tax Court for Judge Arthur Nims, then practiced corporate law with Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in San Francisco, handling complex transactions. In 2014, Orrick awarded Alan its highest honor, celebrating integrity, excellence, and teamwork. This firm is creating a mentorship award bearing Alan’s name.

Alan met his life’s deepest love, Victoria, in Harvard’s 1L registration line. They made a rich life together with their children, Kelsey and Spenser.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Alan started Orrick’s Ultimate Frisbee team, was nicknamed “Flash” for his softball prowess, and led an annual hike summiting Yosemite’s Half Dome. We most remember Alan for unabashed passion in whatever he was doing at the moment. Recently, Alan had been hiking, driving his 1929 Rolls Royce, tending family cats, collecting license plates, gardening, and playing Frisbee golf.

We all counted on having Alan with us far longer. We share Alan’s workplace haiku in memoriam, knowing it was belied by his achievements: “Sitting quietly; doing nothing. Clients come; deals close by themselves.”