Alan John McQuillan

February 25, 2020

After a long battle with cancer, Alan passed peacefully at home, surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Alan was born in Wallsend, England in 1943 to Gladys and Joseph McQuillan. While still a young lad, and having a love for adventure, he went to America in 1963. He later moved to Canada where he worked as a sheet metal worker, moving up to business manager of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association Local 473 in London. He then became general vice president for Canada on the General Executive Council out of Washington, D.C. He believed strongly in mentoring young apprentices in the trades, while passing on knowledge and skills to those who came behind him. He loved to travel, perform and record music (he was a gifted musician), and also had a strong passion for cooking. Alan will be best remembered for his larger than life character and his laughter that filled any room. Survived by his loving wife, Nancy McQuillan; her two children, Randy and Raechel Brown; and Raechel’s three children: Chase, Sydney and Mya Brown. He is also survived by his daughter, Kristy (Ed) Sambey; their three children: Emma, Eddie and Jack; stepson (much more of a son), William “Bill” (Beverly) Morris; stepdaughter, Teresa Morris; and her three children: Sara, Nicholas and Stephen. In England, Alan was very close to and is survived by his sister, Kath (George) Cameron; and her sons Anthony and Gregory Prescott. Alan is also survived by nephews Keith and Neil McQuillan, and a very close cousin, Gerald (Margaret) Duffy. He is predeceased by his brother Mel. A memorial reception will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. ~ 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Alan are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada.

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So sorry to hear about your loss, Al was a good union man and knew his way around our rules of order lol. Thinking of you and your family, Local 56 Sheet Metal Workers & Roofers

~ Jack Wall

Sending our condolences to Nancy, family & friends. It was a pleasure getting to know Al. RIP

~ Hugh & Pam Hillis

I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. I was very lucky to know him through my father, Bob Brown. He was always so kind & I will cherish our memories from Hawaii. My deepest condolences Nancy & family.

~ Jessie Brown

Alan found me in 2016 to groom his dog, Sadie, shortly after I opened my shop, and over the years his words of encouragement and praise were great confidence builders, when I really needed them. After 4 years in business, Alan also convinced me that my quality was more than good enough to warrant a price increase finally. Alan was an incredibly kind and generous man, and I will miss seeing his smiling face every 6 weeks or so. Rest in peace, Alan. My condolences to Nancy and his family.

~ Douglas Simpson

As a close friend to Bill (brother-from-another-mother) I've known Al since 1986. He was very much a Father figure to me. Helped me grow into the Man I am today. Both Bill and I gave Al some Teenager grief but he always had the correct answers for us. And for that, I will always remember, appreciate and Love Al

~ David Sharples

Alan was a treasured, lifelong good friend who shared the same interests and standards as myself. He is missed. My thoughts are with you Nancy on this anniversary. RIP Alan.

~ Michael Doolan