May 24, 1937 – July 24, 2026
Allan was a farm boy, raised outside Langdon, Alberta with his three sisters, Shirley, Norma and Margaret. He was passionate about Warrack family history and devoted much time and energy to researching genealogy.
Allan started his post-secondary education at Olds College, then received his BSc from the University of Alberta and his MS and PhD from Iowa State University.
While attending the University of Alberta, Allan became a brother of Delta Upsilon fraternity. He was deeply proud of the “old gold and sapphire blue”. He cherished that bond and actively pursued those connections for the rest of his life. He was particularly proud of all the young men he brought into the brotherhood, especially his son James and his grandson Gordon.
In 1967, Allan joined the faculty at the University of Alberta. He loved teaching, especially 8 am classes! Allan was often sought out by his former students to thank him for his influence and tell him of their progress. Those interactions brought him great satisfaction.
In 1971, Allan decided to run for office with the Progressive Conservatives led by Peter Lougheed. He wanted to represent a rural constituency and chose Three Hills because it included his home town of Langdon. He won by 8 votes, earning him the nickname “Landslide” and making 8 his lucky number.
Allan loved sports, especially baseball and golf. He played ball for both Langdon and Strathmore, as well as three summers in Ames, Iowa. He also loved following Major League Baseball teams and attending games at various ballparks, often accompanied by his son Dan. He taught his daughter Lauren how to keep a proper baseball scorecard and the difference between a wild pitch and a passed ball.
As a golfer, Allan was never more than a “duffer” but he relished the opportunity to play at the storied “Auld Course” in St Andrews, Scotland with his father-in-law, Gordon Rennie.
It was Gordon Rennie who introduced Allan to the Gyro Club of Edmonton. Allan’s wife Jean had grown up with Gyro and Allan often joked that he had married into it! He was very active with the Club, loved attending meetings and conventions and was happy to take the lead in some of its charitable initiatives.
Allan was a devoted husband to Jean for 63 years. He treasured his three children, Lauren, James and Daniel and took great joy in his grandchildren, Gordon, Rebecca, Jan Michael and Finnegan. He will be missed by his family, his former colleagues and students and his many friends. A private family service will be held in his honour.
Jean, you are close to my heart at this time. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family
Donna Smith Blackburn
I crossed paths sometimes with Allan at the University of Alberta, I teaching management related subjects in the Faculty of Engineering. It was always a pleasure when those connections happened. With typical deprecating humor he once commented of himself “often wrong, but never in doubt”, perhaps giving it a spousal attribution. I shared that with my wife, and she will frequently cite it to me, with laughter; it has become a standard in our home. Allan was a class act.
Our deepest condolences to the whole Warrack family.We knew Allan for years and always enjoyed his company.With sympathy the whole Larson family.He will be missed.
Thank you, Dean. We have some great memories from Fairway Drive!
My deepest condolences, Jean, to you and your family.
I knew Allan through our professional connection, we were both Professors. My wife and I play golf with Allan a couple of times at UofA tournaments. He was a valued colleague, a pleasure to be on the course with, and always the consummate gentleman. I was a much younger colleague but Allan always treated like a peer and a friend. He was a very nice man.
To the whole Warrack family, my deepest condolences.
Allan welcomed me into the DU fraternity 24 years ago – our first conversation was a deep dive into the history of the Warrack and Wenger families (the other Wenger family as it turned out) – and we stayed in touch from that point on. I’m grateful to be able to call a man like Allan my friend.
He was always a friendly, welcoming face whenever our paths crossed. A warm smile, a firm handshake, and a genuine desire to hear what adventures had transpired since our last visit, and to share some of his own.
He will be deeply missed.
Dustin & Juli Wenger
Although I was not fortunate enough to get to know brother Warrack personally I did meet him on several occasions at various DU functions and came to know of his legendary status in the brotherhood.
My heartfelt condolences to his family. He was one of a kind and will be sorely missed.
Doug Clarkson Alberta DU ‘81
Allan and I interacted through his various roles at the University of Alberta. We even wrote some papers together. Allan was quick and insightful. He could be serious when necessary but he was always fun and a pleasure to work and to socialize with. I hold many fond memories. Jean, my sincere condolences to you and the family.
My deepest condolences go out to Jean, Lauren, Jim and Dan. To say that Allan was involved in Delta Upsilon is an understatement. He was always very happy and every time we attended DU functions it was a great pleasure to be with him. Our families knew each other and when we would get together Allan always had many interesting stories to tell. I will have many good memories of Allan and I will miss him deeply.
I met Allan when he volunteered on my campaign in 1997. He was a mentor, a spirit booster and a wonderful friend when I really needed one. I regret that we lost touch over recent years. He has always been special to me and I am so sad to hear of his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends. May his name be for a blessing.
I have fond memories of Allan through University of Alberta and Edmonton community connections. His infectious smile and warm personality always created a positive environment in every encounter. His contributions to our University, City and Province will be remembered with appreciation and admiration. With sincere sympathy to Jean and family.
Allan was an exemplar academic, professional, and leadership colleague at the UofA, whose personal friendship, encouragement, and support I greatly appreciated! He will be much missed, but always remembered!!! Our sincere condolences to you, Jean and your family.
Dear Jeannie,
I read your husband’s obituary in last week’s Journal and I wanted to send you my condolences. I remember the ritual at Pi Beta Phi that went with your engagement to Allan. I last saw you in Banff at a United Church retreat.
I am happy for you that you were able to share your lives together for such a long time. May fond memories and family and friends sustain you at this difficult time.
yours, in Pi Phi Love,
Marilyn Erb/Annis
Allan was a very nice person and an important person. He was a good friend. His contributions to the Alberta chapter of Delta Upsilon were phenomenal. Other than maybe Bob Edgar, I don’t think any person contributed more throughout the long history of the chapter. He was always involved and engaged. He will truly be missed.
Dear cousins Jean, Lauren, Jim and Dan, such sad news I am so sorry to hear about Allan’s passing. I always enjoyed Allan’s warmth, his humour and great conversation whenever we had the opportunity for us all to gather as family. Sending my deepest condolences and much love your way.
Dearest Sweet Jean – Our hearts ache for you with the loss of your beloved Allan. His stories could go on for days, he lived an incredible life with many adventures and you by his side. It was always so nice to see you both in clinic, always smiling and ready to share his next story. We will miss him dearly- Sending you and your family so much love at this time and always.
Much Love
Melanie La Haie and Sonia Fuentes-Roderiquez
Family Medicine
To the Warrack family. I’m am so sorry, and my family and I are sending so much love to you. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Dear Jean and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Allan’s passing. I remember meeting you both through mom, and always enjoyed the humour, the stimulating conversations, and the stories that Allan loved to tell. He will be missed. Sending you my deepest sympathies.
Jean and Family – our heartfelt thoughts to you on the passing of Allan. I met Allan in the 1970’s upon becoming MLA. At that time, municipal and community business brought us together and over the years, through general consulting. What a gentleman and forthright individual, always with a smile, a little humour and some reminiscing about our experiences. Fortunately, Allan joined the Probus Club of South Edmonton, where we always shared his smile, stories and laughter – what a rewarding experience. Thank you for our friendship.
Dennis Pommen, Alberta Director and President, PROBUS Canada.
I was privileged to have known him in two roles First as a Delta Upsilon brother He from the Alberta U and me from UBC chapters.That proved the importance of Fraternaties in bringing young men together from different backgrounds.But then to serve Alberta together with Hon Peter Lougheed made our relationship even greater.My thanks for both reasons and my thoughts are with his wife Jean and family.They should be very proud of his Services.
Sincere condolences to the Warrack Family. My father Dr. Neil Webber was a distant cousin to Allan and they were friends. They both served as MLAs together at the Alberta Legislature in the 1970s.