AEB had been really very sick for some time but I know as recently as last week he had some of his old company Directors to his house working on finishing writing a book about his years in the industry.
In true form, he was, apparently, being argumentative as usual which was such an integral part of his truly great character. Alan didn't make an industry by always agreeing with everyone. Its good to know he was a character to the very end.
As others have said, he with his associates built the best helicopter company ever, gave so many a start in a great industry and was the pioneer of what we do now. I have the greatest respect for him and will never forget him.
RIP "The Old Man"