[Jason]

To the editor:
I want to publicly thank Garret Mathews for including Al Hortman in the prominent deaths article. Many people don't know him by name, but they no doubt recognize his silhouette as the Shriner carrying a little girl and her crutches. Here's the rest of the story.
While assisting at the 1970 picnic for local patients of the St. Louis Shriner's Hospital, Al saw 5-year-old Bobbie Jo Wright struggling to cross the gravel on crutches. He scooped her up and carried her from ride to ride. Sunday Courier & Press photographer Randy Dieter photographed them as they walked the midway. He shot several rolls of film that day, but only three images were printable as his camera was malfunctioning.
The photograph of Al carrying Bobbie Jo ran front page on Sunday morning. Their faces not seen, it was a perfect depiction of a faceless, nameless Shriner helping a handicapped child.
The International Shrine adopted it, becoming their most famous image, "Editorial without Words." Al jokingly told people he had the most famous rear-end in the world. But what he appreciated most was its real significance: It represents every Shriner and any child.
Al was also the owner of Al's Biff Burger on Morgan Avenue. Many will remember his sense of humor, cheery attitude, and practical jokes.
Al was a humble man, yet very proud of his role in that perfect accidental shot illustrating the Shrine slogan: "No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child." Al Hortman was my father.
Julie Shofstall
Chandler, Ind.


Shriner symbol was my proud humble father Evansville Courier & Press