Alan Lloyd Weisling (67) passed away peacefully on June 26, 2022 at his home in Evansville. He was born on September 24, 1954 to Charles H. And Alice M. Weisling. Alan grew up on the westside of Evansville and graduated from FJ Reitz High School in 1972.
Alan’s love of geography and adventure came into play soon after. He got on board the steamboat Delta Queen during the summer of 1972 and worked his way up and down the major rivers that are tributaries of the Mississippi River.
Alan quickly moved up the ranks with job assignments as cook, waiter, bartender and finally achieved the high ranking position of Chief Steward. For many years Alan rotated on and off the boat. He spent a year at the University of North Dakota and a year studying at the University of Mississippi. But life on the river always beckoned him to return.
In 1980 Alan returned to Evansville where he purchased a long-standing favorite Westside tavern – the Hybrid Inn. His engaging personality along with his many tales of “river life” and his prowess with frying chicken made the Hybrid Inn a very popular spot in Evansville. When a devastating storm and subsequent flood all but destroyed the old building and Alan’s business in1982, Alan once again created a new adventure.
A Delta Queen colleague reached out to Alan asking him to come and work at his restaurant in Hollywood, CA. When that gig ended and his colleague moved to Hawaii to work on a cruise ship Alan soon followed. He worked on the Independence and the Constitution – both ships that circled the Hawaiian islands.
After a brief stint circling the islands, Alan ventured further to work on yet another ship that cruised the waters around Tahiti. It was during this time that he was initiated into the “Court of King Neptune” from sailor’s lore by crossing the equator while on board a ship. He was very proud to be the first in his family to have that honor.
1986 found him back in Honolulu when his ship went into dry dock. He lived In the Hawaii Kai area where he started his own independent taxi company – Koko Head Taxi. He loved driving all over the island and knew the Hawaiian names for all the streets while visualizing an entire island map in his head.
When his vision started failing, Alan gave up driving and dispatched his own drivers all over the island with trips by appointment only. He was a pioneer in using a huge (by today’s standards) cell phone and was able to conduct business from anywhere – whether at home, on the beach or sitting out with his cat Barney at their beloved Piano Lagoon. He garnered the trust of many loyal customers who used Koko Head Taxi for their transport needs.
Alan’s parents – Charles and Alice Weisling – soon found themselves making the trip to Honolulu many times each year. Alan showed them the “insider’s” view of Hawaii and they enjoyed many great times together with their son.
In 2014, Alan returned to his roots in Evansville. He brought his cat and good buddy (Chalice) along with him from Hawaii. Alan was always a genuine cat lover and when Chalice left him, he went to the Humane Society and adopted two beautiful kitten brothers (Queso and DasMos) who kept him company and gave great comfort to him in his final days.
Alan is survived by his parents (Charles and Alice Weisling of Westside Evansville), sisters (Linda Weisling Torkington/Richard Torkington of Mesa, Arizona and Janet Weisling Seiler/Eric Seiler of Westside Evansville), niece (Janel Torkington Alegre/Isam Alegre of Barcelona, Spain), nephew (John Torkington/Taylor Radcliffe of Mesa, Arizona) and great nephew (Olau Torkington Alegre of Barcelona, Spain).
Thomas Pressley says
Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Weisling family. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow.
Phil and Peggy says
So sorry to hear of your brother. Know that we’re thinking of your whole family.
David Keene says
Hi Linda…thanks for including us in your announcement of Alan’s passing. I’m sad for your family’s loss and glad that you could be there with Alan and family..
Although I never met Alan I have an image and personality somewhere back in my brain. Alan’s obit added so much to his story. Please give your mom, dad and sis my condolences. I hope to see you all when you get back to town. Dave Keene
Marta says
Dear Alan, you will be missed.. I loved to get to know you when I visit Arizona for Janel’s wedding.
Thinking of you and your family as you celebrate the life of your beloved.
Elizabeth Torkington says
Alan gave me my first tour of Honolulu when I arrived there on my first traveling nurse assignment. Great inside information, while he also entertained several of my fellow travel nurse friends. I’ll be forever grateful for that introduction to the Islands!
Thank you, Alan, for welcoming my brother and our family into yours over the years. Bless you and Godspeed on your next journey.
Kim Wurm says
My deepest condolences to his extremely beautiful family, he was a light in the universe and continues to be a light of the world with his absolute adventures and love that he is always shown each and every person he has known. May he forever be the wings of Peace. Love, Kim Wurm. 🕊
Terrie Underwood says
Chuck and Alice,
I am so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. Please know I will be holding you both in thought and prayer. May you hold tight to your precious memories, and find comfort in them.
Dawn Seiler says
I wish I had known Alan better, but am thankful for the time I did spend talking with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janet Seiler says
Thanks, Dawn. I know he especially enjoyed the times he got to talk with Megan. Thanks for sharing her!
rick grammer says
wow janet so sorry to hear about alan and chuck it brought knot to my stomach hope mom and you are doing fine ive been in fla for 35 yrs doing great wished i could have got alan and chuck here fishing are u in eville still again so sorry my email kylerk8888 at outlook.com
Dan and Pam says
Dan and I are sorry to hear about Alan’s passing. We knew that his passing was expected but losing a loved one is never easy. We had the good fortune of meeting Alan a few years ago and through the course of our casual conversation we found him engaging, informative and very likeable. Even though our encounter was brief we never forgot him.
We offer our deepest sympathy and if there is anything we can do please don’t hesitate to ask.
Wayne Willoughby says
Chuck and Alice, I am so sorry to hear this. Please accept my condolence and if there is ever anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call. I remember all the good times at the Hybrid Inn while he owned it.
Doug Long says
Rest In Peace Alan. Your journey is over. You have earned you wings.
Tami (Heard) Brown says
Linda and Family,
Much heartfelt condolences on Alan’s passing. May God surround you in this very sad time.
Pat Baker says
We were so sorry to learn of his passing. May you be comforted by your memories and your knowledge that he knew he was loved. You have our sincere sympathy. Joe and Pat Baker
Simplicio and Gina says
Our deepest sympathies to Alice, Chuck, Janet and Linda. A neighbor, friend and, foremost, a big “brother” to us, Alan was a colorful storyteller and a font of knowledge of everything Hawai’i. We’ll miss his Delta Queen tales, our Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas exchanges, his wry smile and his legendary fried chicken. He will always occupy a special place in our hearts and in our memories.
Fond Aloha Alan and A Hui Hou!