ALAN (RIGHT) WITH HIS OLDER BROTHER WHILE LIVING IN ENGLAND
Born August 8, 1936, in Brighton, England, Alan entered the world as the middle child, neatly sandwiched between two brothers. According to Parade Magazine, middle children are known for adaptability, independence, social intelligence and peacemaking skills. They often thrive in leadership roles and creative pursuits.
So… did Alan fit the profile? In a word: absolutely.
While in high school at the age of 15, Alan started his apprenticeship for cabinet making, a trade requiring patience, precision and probably a good tolerance for sawdust. At age 19, he enlisted in the British Army expecting to put his woodworking skills to use. The Army, however, had other plans. Instead of hammers and cabinetry, Alan was introduced to a new trade, typing. Assigned to support a Major, he handled communications and official documentation. Not exactly carpentry, but as it turns out, organization and adaptability would become common in his life.
Alan married and in 1958 made a bold move from England to Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where he raised a family of four children. His carpentry background opened doors quickly. He worked as a carpenter while purchasing and renovating homes, eventually building and ultimately managed 45 rental properties. For many, that would be enough ambition for one lifetime.
Not Alan.
Armed with knowledge, confidence and perhaps a healthy amount of middle-child determination, he launched his own construction company, A.W. Consultants LTD in 1975. The company specialized in commercial projects, including churches and business structures. He took on a partner in 1979 and retired in 1983 at the remarkably young age of 46.
Yes, 46.
Most people at 46 are still trying to figure out their retirement savings. Alan was already testing out retirement number one.
But retirement didn’t slow him down. Ambitious, competitive and creative, Alan became Chairman of Kingston, Ontario’s United Way campaign in 1983. His motivation was simple: he believed in giving back to the community that had been good to him. Gratitude, service and community mattered deeply to him. After completing his United Way leadership role, he embarked on retirement number two in January 1984.
Alan’s Christian faith has also remained a cornerstone throughout his life. Raised in the Anglican Church, he served as a rector and people’s warden, helping those in need and even assisting clergy members in finding housing.
In 1970, Alan became a member of the Kingston Rotary Club, an organization dedicated to sharing ideas and serving others, and later served as its President in 1984. Alan didn’t just participate, he excelled, eventually becoming District Governor of Rotary International. Soon afterward, an unexpected opportunity came along when architect friends persuaded him to take on a new role as a condominium developer. And while still networking through Rotary, life had one more surprise waiting for him: he met his future wife, Robinanne, a fellow Rotarian living in the United States.
Now, you may be wondering how an Englishman and an American ended up living full time in Florida.
As it happens, Alan bought a Fort Myers condominium in 1990 where he and Robinanne spent twelve years as snowbirds. In 2004, they made Florida their permanent home, and in 2006 purchased a house in Herons Glen.
These days, they enjoy some of life’s finest pleasures: golf, the fitness center, worldwide travel, experiencing different cultures and, naturally, sampling golf courses in many countries.
Looking back, one could say being a middle child born in 1936 made Alan wonderfully “rich in life.” His journey has been filled with purpose, leadership, generosity, personal growth and a deeply blessed relationship.
Frankly, Parade Magazine may have found its poster child.
And how will Alan celebrate turning 90?
In true Alan fashion, he and the missus are setting sail on a luxury voyage aboard the Queen Mary with plans to squeeze in a game or two of golf along the way.
Hit ‘em straight, Alan. Enjoy the voyage, celebrate big, and cheers to 90 years exceptionally well lived!
