Before serving as Dean of Fine Arts at the University of Calgary for 8
years, Alan spent several years as head of its Communications/Media
Department.
He was a Captain of a PBY Catalina "Flying Boat" with a crew of 9
during World War II, and wrote about his experiences in "The Last
Generation". His second novel, "Those Who Can", told the stories of his
years teaching and acting after the war.
He received degrees from the University of London, England(Education),
University of Alberta(Education), University of Colorado and Carnegie
Institute of Technology(Drama). He was also instrumental in the early
development of Educational Television in Canada.
After retiring as Dean, Alan moved to Vancouver where he frequently
appeared in film/television productions. He moved to Vancouver Island
in 1998. He died November 24, 2009 at the age of 86.