Alan was born in Sydney, Australia, in the spring of 1941 to loving and hard-working parents. The second eldest of four children, Alan was a kind, curious and dependable boy who grew into a man known for his strength of character, deep compassion and unshakeable values.
As a teenager, he joined the Army Reserve, driven by a strong sense of duty and discipline—qualities that would guide every step of his life. After completing high school, Alan’s natural charisma and work ethic saw him quickly rise through the ranks of the Australian Aluminium Company, where at just 21, he became their youngest-ever salesman. That same year, he married the love of his life, Meg, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades.
Together, Alan and Meg raised five children, building a vibrant, loving family. Their journey, however, was marked by both joy and heartbreak. The loss of their fourth child and several difficult pregnancies left a lasting impact. In a profound act of love and resilience, they chose to adopt a sixth child—a baby with a disability who brought renewed purpose and joy to their growing family.
Longing for a simpler, more connected life, Alan and Meg moved their young family to a small farm on the outskirts of Sydney. Though they had no farming experience, they threw themselves into the life wholeheartedly, learning how to milk cows, breed horses, raise livestock and grow their own food. Alan took up work as a coal miner, a tough and honest profession that matched his determination and physical strength.
Alan was not just a father, but a teacher, mentor and role model. His love of learning and self-belief was passed down through every practical lesson—whether he was teaching his kids how to plough a paddock, break in a horse, chop firewood, or service a motor. But more than that, he taught them about character—about integrity, perseverance, and humility.
Beyond his family, Alan’s commitment to others was unwavering. He coached tennis and led a Christian youth group that became a vital space for connection and support in the local area. Whether mentoring young people, helping a neighbour, or showing up when someone was in need, Alan gave generously of his time and heart. His presence made others feel safe, seen, and valued.
In 1983, Alan’s life changed forever. At the age of 41, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in the loss of his leg. The months that followed were full of pain, physical hardship, and emotional darkness. Alan’s journey through depression and long hospital stays tested him in every way—but it did not break him.
With characteristic resolve, he sought help and found a lifeline in a peer support group that offered solidarity, honesty, and hope. It was a turning point. Alan didn’t just recover—he turned his experience into a mission. He went on to become a field officer for the same organisation that had helped him, even relocating to the United States for eight months to help expand its impact and reach others walking a similar path.
In 1994, after a lengthy legal battle, Alan was awarded a financial settlement for the accident. By 2001, he and Meg had retired to a beachside suburb in Southern Sydney, where they began a new chapter filled with community, travel and family. From 1986 onwards, their family grew once again as they welcomed ten grandchildren and, eventually, six great-grandchildren—each one a treasured part of Alan’s legacy.
Alan never let his physical limitations define him. If anything, they seemed to fuel his appetite for adventure. He travelled solo through Russia, journeyed along the ancient Silk Road in China, and traversed the United States by rail. He earned his solo glider pilot’s licence, sailed in the Sydney to Mooloolaba race with Sailors with Disabilities, and even climbed mountains—proving again and again that courage has no boundaries.
Back home, Alan continued to build and nurture community. He was instrumental in founding the local Men’s Shed, revived the Harold Holt Swim Club, became a familiar face at the local lawn bowls club, and remained deeply involved in his Christian community. His humour, wisdom, and warmth made people gravitate to him. He had a quiet strength that made others feel safe—and a knack for turning strangers into friends.
In 2018, Alan was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After a long and difficult treatment period, he reached remission in 2021—only to be met with another devastating diagnosis: an aggressive facial cancer. The following years brought immense physical pain, countless surgeries, and ultimately, the removal of his nose. But even through this, Alan’s spirit never wavered.
He was calm, generous, and deeply focused on others. He never gave in to self-pity or despair—instead, he continued to comfort others, to share wisdom, and to face each day with grace, humour, and quiet courage. His love for his family and friends was stronger than any suffering.
In 2023, Alan made the courageous decision to cease further treatment. With characteristic dignity, and with his beloved Meg and their children by his side he passed away peacefully in 2024, leaving behind a legacy etched into the hearts of all who knew him.
Alan’s life was one of unshakable strength, enduring love, and unwavering service to others. He was a devoted husband, a wise and loving father and grandfather, a generous friend, and a quiet warrior who met life’s hardest trials with courage and grace. His was a life lived with deep purpose, full of love for his family and community. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the people he uplifted, and the strength he inspired in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
