I think Alex will (potentially) be remembered as someone who, through his art and intellect, provided a doorway into the beauty and awe of science for many people. People like Alex and Carl Sagan are rare and essential conduits to expanding the mental possibilities of a species that is unfortunately very prone to intellectual laziness and magical thinking. If the light of human consciousness is to survive and prosper we desperately need these benevolent welcoming guides out of our ignorance.  His moment hasn't arrived yet as such moments rely on a confluence of talent with events but, when we (soon) face technological tipping points that unsettle society, such a person could use their narrative and artistic skills to present a more hopeful/alluring perspective of the transition, opening minds to possibilities and averting a backlash into fear and ignorance.