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Alexander Allan Obituary
PROF. ALEXANDER B. (SANDY) ALLAN
October 21, 1926 - July 10, 2015
Passed away at home, aged 88. Sandy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marguerite (Gunton). He was a much-loved father to Cynthia Norrie (Alastair) and to Paul (Maggie) and a devoted grandfather to Elizabeth, Kate and Michael Allan. He was also the last survivor of all his siblings, Jean ("Bet"), Jim and Jack. Sandy was a passionate engineer. His career began with the Defence Research Board of Canada in 1950. In 1958 he became a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto and for the next 29 years he inspired many students with his hands-on, practical approach to education. In 1970 Sandy was retained as a consultant in a high profile motor vehicle accident lawsuit that ultimately lead to a successful second career as a consulting engineer. He later founded Alexander Allan Engineering Services where he became an acknowledged expert in the reconstruction of motor-vehicular accidents. Sandy was born and raised in the east end of Toronto where he attended Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute. He earned both an undergraduate degree (1949) and a Masters Degree (1953) in Applied Science at the University of Toronto. Always generous with his time and many talents, Sandy frequently found himself called upon by both family and friends to build something or to fix something which he always did with focus and determination. Sandy had a particular talent for photography and carpentry. Evidence of his wood-working skill can be found in the homes of family and friends throughout Ontario. While he enjoyed a long retirement, Sandy suffered a stroke in 2004 and had been confined to a wheelchair for nearly 12 years; however, he continued to pursue an active life of the mind and pursued interests in science, technology and business. Visitation will be held at PINE HILLS VISITATION CENTRE on July 16th, 7-9 p.m. and at 1-2 p.m. on Friday, July 17th. A funeral service on Friday, July 17th will begin at 2 p.m. also at Pine Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society would be much appreciated.
October 21, 1926 - July 10, 2015
Passed away at home, aged 88. Sandy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marguerite (Gunton). He was a much-loved father to Cynthia Norrie (Alastair) and to Paul (Maggie) and a devoted grandfather to Elizabeth, Kate and Michael Allan. He was also the last survivor of all his siblings, Jean ("Bet"), Jim and Jack. Sandy was a passionate engineer. His career began with the Defence Research Board of Canada in 1950. In 1958 he became a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Toronto and for the next 29 years he inspired many students with his hands-on, practical approach to education. In 1970 Sandy was retained as a consultant in a high profile motor vehicle accident lawsuit that ultimately lead to a successful second career as a consulting engineer. He later founded Alexander Allan Engineering Services where he became an acknowledged expert in the reconstruction of motor-vehicular accidents. Sandy was born and raised in the east end of Toronto where he attended Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute. He earned both an undergraduate degree (1949) and a Masters Degree (1953) in Applied Science at the University of Toronto. Always generous with his time and many talents, Sandy frequently found himself called upon by both family and friends to build something or to fix something which he always did with focus and determination. Sandy had a particular talent for photography and carpentry. Evidence of his wood-working skill can be found in the homes of family and friends throughout Ontario. While he enjoyed a long retirement, Sandy suffered a stroke in 2004 and had been confined to a wheelchair for nearly 12 years; however, he continued to pursue an active life of the mind and pursued interests in science, technology and business. Visitation will be held at PINE HILLS VISITATION CENTRE on July 16th, 7-9 p.m. and at 1-2 p.m. on Friday, July 17th. A funeral service on Friday, July 17th will begin at 2 p.m. also at Pine Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer Society would be much appreciated.
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Published by Toronto Star on Jul. 14, 2015.