Menzies, founder of ALAN, dies

   John “Jock” Menzies, chairman of Baltimore-based The Terminal Corp. and founder of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), died suddenly this weekend at his home. He was 69.
   The Capital Gazette of Annapolis, Md., reported that Menzies sustained severe injuries at the family’s property on Friday when a cable trolley system connecting to a boat dock below a steep embankment gave way. Menzies was flown to the Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore where he died Saturday.
   Menzies will be best remembered in the shipping industry for his work to launch ALAN. After witnessing the breakdown in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, a massive storm which devestated communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast, he organized an effort and engaged supply-chain professionals and trade associations to come together to form ALAN.
   “We are all are shocked and deeply saddened by Jock’s sudden passing. His visionary work was an inspiration to people around the world. His gentle spirit, patience and kindness, and passion for bringing people together to help others will be missed,” said Kathy Fulton, ALAN’s director of operations.
   “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jock’s family and friends during this difficult time. The board and staff is honored to continue the work to which Jock so passionately dedicated his life,” she added.
   “Jock’s passion for ALAN and determination to mobilize the logistics industry to help those in need was inspiring. He has left a lasting mark on our industry,” said Jim Blaeser, publisher of American Shipper. The publication has been a long-time supporter of ALAN’s work and initiatives.
   Since Hurricane Katrina, ALAN has assisted in directing aid to numerous people in need after from natural disasters, including the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Irene in 2011, and last October’s Superstorm Sandy, which ravaged the U.S. Northeast, to name a few.
   “A particular strength of ALAN’s network is that its members tend to be problem solvers,” Menzies said earlier this year during a post-Sandy assessment. “Supply chain management, by its very nature, requires working with others and finding the best and most efficient alternatives. These traits are extremely valuable when confronting the crisis of an extreme event, regardless of scope.”
   In 2012, ALAN launched a mapping tool that allows it to geographically target companies with the potential to provide resources during disasters. The project was funded by grants from The UPS Foundation and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, Project on Supply Chain Resilience.
    A memorial service for Menzies will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Baltimore located at 5603 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 21210. He is survived by his wife Penelope.
   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Menzies’ name to ALAN. To make a donation, visit the ALAN Website or mail your gift to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, 333 E. Butterfield Rd., Lombard, Ill. 60148. Also for more details about ALAN, see the October 2010 American Shipper article, “Knowing ALAN.”