ALAN C. Van DINE

Van DINE ALAN C.
Age 81, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, at home in Pittsburgh. An author, illustrator and advertising agency director, Mr. Van Dine was a prolific and gifted humorist, writer and artist, working up until a few days before his death. He wrote several books, including Unconventional Builders; Clyde Hare's Pittsburgh; The All New Encyclopedia of Advertising/ 15 % Off; If Instead of Apes We Had Come from Grapes We Wouldn't Just Yet Be Wine; and his latest, published earlier this year, Fateful Encounters: Fourteen of the World's Shortest Graphic Novels. His columns have also appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Parents Magazine, The Saturday Review, and a host of other publications. Mr. Van Dine was born in Ford City and grew up in Kittanning. A graduate of Duquesne University, he started his career as editorial director for a chain of six small newspapers in the Three Rivers area. He went on to work as associate creative director for BBDO advertising agency in Pittsburgh. In 1971, he and partners, Rick Horton and Maggie Palyo, founded their own agency, Van Dine Horton, a creative agency that handled a wide range of accounts, including projects for Koppers Company, Alcoa, Heinz, Dodge Motors, Cracker Jack, and Loyola Marymount College, and just about every notable corporation, university, non-profit organization, and wild-eyed entrepreneur in Pittsburgh. Over the years, the agency's partnership evolved, and after a merger with Humphrey Herbert Alber in 1989, became Van Dine Humphrey. He retired from advertising in 2000. But he didn't stop working. In addition to his two last books, Mr. Van Dine also wrote sharp-witted articles and light verse for his blog, "... and the horse you rode in on" (horse-you-rode-in-on.com). His final post was made just a few days before his death. He was an avid golfer and a member of Kittanning Country Club where he caddied as a teenager, next to his childhood home. Mr. Van Dine enjoyed his coffee and his friends, and regularly met with the "Council of Elders" at the Commonplace Coffeehouse in Squirrel Hill. He leaves behind his wife, Holly Van Dine of Pittsburgh; his brothers, Wayne (Rose) Van Dine of Weirton, VA, and Gilbert (Carol) Van Dine of Chicago; four children, Lynn (Tim Weller) of Massachusetts, Mark (Carol Falvey) of Massachusetts, Barbara (Rick Wallace) of California; and Michael (Conchita Perales) Van Dine of California; two stepchildren, Laura Shefler (Raymond Yee) of California and Alex Shefler (Mary Jo Maggio) of Dormont; six grandchildren; and former wife, Joan More of California. He was predeceased by his sisters, Constance Torisky and Carol Stapleton; and his grandson, Maxwell Van Dine. A reception for family and friends celebrating his life will be held at his home, 6636 Kinsman Rd., Pittsburgh, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014, from 5-8 p.m. Arrangements by JOHN A. FREYVOGEL SONS, INC.
www.freyvogelfuneralhome.com
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