Obituary: Alan Landis, 64

Alan Landis, May 9, 1951 – Jan. 24, 2016. Alan L. Landis, age 64, died Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at his Atlanta home, surrounded by his family after a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Alan was predeceased by his father, Paul Landis, and is survived by his loving husband, Ritchie Crownfield; his mother, Rhona Landis; siblings Kerry and Linda Landis, Evan Landis, and David Herndon; nieces and nephews Lori and Matt Spett, Rabbi Pinchas and Nomi Landis, and Michael and Rebecca Landis; nine great-nieces and great-nephews; and an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Alan graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with highest honors, including Phi Beta Kappa. After graduation, he embarked on his career as a very well-respected certified public accountant with Birnbrey, Minsk, Minsk & Perling. Alan was diagnosed with HIV in the early 1990s but was not afraid to tell people about it, especially if telling his story might influence teens to get the necessary facts to keep themselves healthy and safe. Alan’s presentations were more like a conversation with a friend — open, honest, nonjudgmental and passionate. Because of his unique style of teaching, teens were in awe of him and often referred to him as “Uncle Alan.”

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Alan had an adventurous spirit and zest for life, which manifested itself in extensive travel and a love for the arts. Like his father, he was a great theater enthusiast and supporter. As for travel, Alan was frequently flying, sailing or driving to exciting destinations both near and far. But his favorite destination of all was in the presence of his beloved family and husband, Ritchie.

Alan was involved in many community organizations, including Project Open Hand and the Metropolitan Atlanta Community AIDS Fund, and was the president of the Atlanta Interfaith AIDS Network. Alan was instrumental in starting the LGBT inclusion program at Ahavath Achim Synagogue.

Sign the online guestbook at www.edressler.com. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, at Ahavath Achim Synagogue with Rabbi Laurence Rosenthal officiating; burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Weinstein Hospice or the Ahavath Achim Synagogue LGBT Inclusion Fund. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.