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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ARDERN, Alan Kevan - 92, Tatamagouche, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, October 26, 2023, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Marple, Cheshire, England, he was the son of the late Charles and Agnes (McCallum) Ardern.
Alan spent his early years in Marple Bridge, Cheshire and joined the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm) in September 1948. He served at various Naval Air Stations and aboard HMS Illustrious. He transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in July 1953, retiring in September 1981. During this time, he served mostly at CFB Shearwater and NDHQ Ottawa. He also served on HMCS Magnificent and with helicopter detachments on HMCS Ottawa, HMCS Preserver and HMCS Protecteur. He rose through the ranks from Ordinary Seamen to Chief Warrant Officer and was commissioned to Captain (CF) in 1974.
Following his retirement from the Canadian Forces, he was employed by Canadian Pratt and Whitney as Projects Chief, Helicopter Systems, and later by IMP Group Ltd. Aerospace in their Engineering Department. Alan finally retired in 1991 and pursued his second career as house husband for his young family in Tatamagouche.
Alan is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Dianne (Nelson); son, Andrew (Kayla), Spryfield; daughter, Alisha, Shubenacadie; stepchildren, Colleen McKinley (Gallagher), Dartmouth; Coleman Gallagher (Belinda), Tory Hill, Ontario; Dr. Christopher (Iain) Vergie (Rachelle), Manotick, Ontario; Joanne Lake (Dean), Truro; 11 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Theresa Eileen McKinnon (Gallagher); sisters, Jean Roscoe (Cyril), Margaret Cook (Edward).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Alan’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Sunday, October 29, 2023, and funeral service 2 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, Pastor Caleb Kelly officiating. Reception will follow. Interment in Robie Street Cemetery, 125 Robie Street, Truro. Family flowers only. If so desired, donations in Alan's memory to Wayfarers’ Church, Spryfield, Crossroads Baptist Church, Valley or VON (Colchester East Hants) are welcomed. (Mattatall-Varner Funeral Home)
Ships served in: HMS ILLUSTRIOUS NDHQ OTTAWA
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