Passing of mineral collector Al Liebetrau

It is with great sadness I report that my good friend and fellow fluorescent mineral collector Al Liebetrau passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023.  I have known Al for more than 30 years.  In that time, he proved to be one of the nicest and most dedicated people I have ever met.  He was a giant in the mineral community, both white light and ultraviolet light.  Anyone who knew Al always saw a small notebook with him when he attended mineral shows.  He always took meticulous notes on specimens, dealers, locations etc.  Many times, he would call me and ask if I knew more information about a certain mineral or locality.  I’m sure his mineral catalog was as accurate as one could be.

For several years Al was the President of the Fluorescent Mineral Society and did a great job in that position.  With that in mind, there was only one person who could have taken on the monumental task of putting together the FMS’s 50th anniversary exhibit at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show in 2022.  Al dedicated about 3 years to this arduous task.  Needless to say, the exhibit was a success, in spite of all the problems encountered along the way.  It is my understanding that even a week before Al passed away, while in hospice care, he was still talking about fluorescent minerals with those who visited him.  Now that is someone who was truly passionate about his hobby.

Al is survived by his wife Sue.  The two were a match made in heaven as she was as dedicated a mineral collector as Al was.  Not only will Sue miss her late husband, but Al will be missed by many in the mineral community.  Truly a great loss for all those who knew him.  My deepest condolences to Sue, his family and friends.  We can all pay tribute to Al by pursuing our hobby with the same passion and vigor that he did.  Rest in peace Al and may God bless.  I will miss you.

George V. Polman