Obituary of Alan John McQuillan

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.