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.