Senior Scholar and scientist Dr. Alan Queen has died

Dr. ALAN QUEEN, Ph.D. February 11, 1930 – June 8, 2014. Dr. Alan Queen died unexpectedly on June 8, 2014 at Victoria General Hospital, where he had been admitted with heart complications. Alan is survived by his devoted wife Helen (Crowther) Queen, sister Mildred Currie, son Andrew Skoleski, daughters Julia Blonski (Wayne), Barbara Queen (Blair), Fiona Queen, grandchildren Aaron and Sondra Skoleski, Teresa and Carolyn Blonski.

Dr. ALAN QUEEN.

Educated in England, he received his PhD from Durham University. Alan’s love of research began at Beecham Research Laboratories, Brockham Park, Surrey, England where he worked with other scientists on the development of new semisynthetic penicillins and anti-tubercular compounds. He immigrated to Canada in 1961 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the National Research Council in Ottawa. Following an appointment at Laurentian University in Sudbury, he joined the Chemistry Department at the University of Manitoba in 1966, where he stayed until he retired as Senior Scholar in 1997.  He continued to teach undergraduate Chemistry courses until his passing. Committed to the advancement of research in his field, Alan developed his own stopped-flow apparatus and traveled extensively, sharing his time and expertise in numerous locations world wide.

Prior to attending university, Alan completed two years of British National Service as an Instrument Technician stationed at RAF Scampton (home of the Dam Busters). During his service he worked on the Avro Lincoln and Lancaster bombers

In his youth, Alan was an active participant in many sports, including soccer, track and field and the Durham University Boat Club. He was a passionate scholar of Greek Archaeology and History and spent time in Greece studying and visiting historical sites and museums. Wood crafting was also a passion where he pursued many projects among which were creating a clarinet, violin, harp and harpsichord completely from scratch to his own design.

In keeping with his request, cremation has taken place and a celebration of Alan’s life will be held at St. John’s College Chapel, 92 Dysart Road, University of Manitoba on Monday, June 16, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Peter Flynn presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations in Alan’s memory can be made to the Concordia Hospital Foundation in support of Operation Walk Winnipeg, 204-661-7156. Cropo Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements 204-586-8044.