Alan Andrew Smith

He married Margaret (a.k.a Rea) in 1956 and they spent 13 years in Glasgow, becoming parents of four children. The family then moved to Dundas, Ontario in 1969. Alan was a Professor of Civil Engineering at McMaster University where he was known for his many teaching awards and also for the wild parties he threw for faculty and graduate students. He was fun-loving, full of witty remarks and generous charm.

He saw a lot of change during his lifetime; from collecting WW2 bomb fragments as a youngster in front of a tank factory opposite his home, to pioneering computer simulation in the early 60s for his courses at Strathclyde University in Glasgow. He did things that were both curious and leading-edge his entire life.

Mostly he will be remembered as a classy gentleman that treated everyone he met with dignity and respect. A talented engineer for sure, but a special human being was his true calling.

He is survived by his children, Laurence (Mona), Russell, Pauline (Lee) Ackerman, Crawford; grandchildren, Rose (Josh) Ackerman, Charles Ackerman, Coralie (Ed) Salesse-Smith. Preceding him in death was his wife Margaret Stewart (nee Crawford), father, Andrew Smith and mother Elizabeth Margaret (nee Mackay).

Visitation will be on January 3, 2024 at 12:00pm, followed by a service at 1:00pm, and a reception at 2:00pm, all held at the Marlatt Funeral Home “Swackhamer Chapel”, 195 King St W, Dundas, Ontario. Cremation to follow.