Obituary of Alan Kenneth Adlington

Alan K Adlington

January 30, 1925 – September 30, 2017

Al is gone (was all he would have said).

Al lived an accomplished life, before passing away at home in his 93rd year.

Survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Mary; his children Ken (Michele), Marg Camirand (Albert), and Ian (Cindy Gentle); five grandchildren Kelly (Alan), Aaron (Branka), Sarah, Chris, and Laura (Taubin); and seven great grandchildren Brennan, Noah, Ellen, Grace, William, Delilah, and Kate. The youngest of 12 children, he is survived by his brother David.

Alan emigrated from England in 1930 and became a proud Canadian; giving back to his country and community.  He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy, fought, and was injured in World War II.  Upon his return to London, he completed an undergraduate degree through Western University.  This ignited a passion for learning and a commitment to post-secondary education that would last throughout his lifetime.

Al’s early career encompassed labour relations and financial management. In 1955, he joined Waterloo College where he cofounded the University of Waterloo. In 1970, he returned to his alma mater as Vice President, Administration and Finance. He served as Acting President from 1984 to1985 until he was appointed Ontario Deputy Minister of Colleges and Universities.  During his career he contributed widely to Canadian universities.  Upon his retirement he established an eponymous scholarship at Western University.

In the communities of Kitchener, Waterloo, and London, Al was well known for his works in developing and advancing the arts and their organizations: symphony, theatre, and art gallery.

For his contributions to the universities and his communities, Al was awarded an honorary doctorate from Western University and the University of Waterloo.

Beyond his many career accomplishments, Al adored his family and was a proud father, grandpa, and GG.  He loved golf and was a member of the London Hunt and Country Club for over 40 years.  He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Vimy Branch 145. Al was a great story teller, he never met a crossword he couldn’t finish, and he happily engaged in goofy behavior to amuse his grandchildren.

He will be missed tremendously!

The family would like to thank his caregivers from Medical Priorities and the VON for their compassionate care enabling him to live out his life in the comfort of his home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: the Alan and Mary Adlington Scholarship Fund, at Western University; attention Anthony Newton, Western University, Westminster Hall, Suite 110, 1151 Richmond St. London, ON N6A 3K7 (cheques payable to Western University), by calling 519-661-4200, or online at www.westernconnect.ca/tributee. Alternately donations may be made to the VON Middlesex Elgin.

Cremation has taken place, as per his request. A private celebration of his life will occur at a later date. Online condolences may be left www.woodlandcemetery.on.ca