Obituary of Allan Donald McLeod

ALLAN DONALD McLEOD Allan died peacefully with his family at his side, on June 23, 2011, after a long illness. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Jeanne-Marie and three children, Keith (Linda) of Calgary, Li McLeod of Regina, Barbara Knighton of Los Angeles, and grandchildren Sari, Matthew, Skye, Aren, Taylor and Jesse, and three great grandchildren. Allan was born on July 20, 1925, in Dilke, Sask. He was a prairie boy, educated in a one room schoolhouse and remained dedicated to the farming community throughout his life. He served in the army in WWII following which he enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1949 with his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Allan joined the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool in 1950, to begin a career which spanned 39 years. Over the years he occupied a number of positions including rural extension, communications and advertising, economic research, policy, communications and administration. From 1986 to his retirement in 1989 he was Corporate Secretary. Transportation policy occupied an important place in Allans career. He was a founding member of the Grain Transportation Technical Group (the first industry wide committee formed to improve co-ordination in grain transportation). In 1975 he was a member of an industry committee on the cost of moving grain by rail. He was responsible for policy development within Sask. Pool related to railway branch lines, rail costing for grain and the establishment of grain freight rates. Allan played an active role in his profession, serving as President of the Sask. Institute of Agrologists and later as National Councillor. In 1973 he became national president of the Agricultural Institute of Canada. He was granted a Recognition Award by the Sask. Institute for his outstanding contribution to the institute. His interests extended to the local, national and international agricultural community. He spent 3 years on the National Council of the Canadian Transportation Research Forum and later became a life member of the CTRF. He also served overseas with CIDA consulting assignments in Lesotho, Africa (1974), St. Lucia, West Indies (1987) and Estonia (1991). He served on the Senate of the University of Saskatchewan, board of the Sherwood Credit Union, and was active in several Regina church congregations, the Gyro Club and the Canadian Club. Allan will be remembered for his community service, personal integrity, perseverance and trustworthiness. He was a hunter, fisherman, amateur photographer, and enjoyed square dancing, and lawn bowling. His skills with tools and home renovation benefitted his children wherever they lived. He was dedicated to his family and travelled extensively with Jeanne-Marie. The family is grateful for the support of family, friends, church visitors and staff of Wascana Rehab during Allans long illness. There will be a visitation from 6 - 8 p.m. on June 28 at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at First Presbyterian Church, at 2170 Albert Street. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Society, 301 - 2550 12th Avenue, Regina, SK, S4P 3X1. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com