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.