Allan Weir

Allan Austin Weir was born on Jan. 20, 1924, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and died on Saturday, May 21, 2011, in Corvallis. Allan spent his childhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and London, England, and attended high school at Upper Canada College. He served in the Canadian Air Force from 1942 to 1945 as a Pilot Officer, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and business from the University of Toronto in 1948. Allan married Norah Britton Walsh of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1951; they moved to Birmingham, Ala., and later settled in Berwyn, Pa., where they spent most of their 44 years of marriage. Throughout his engineering career, Allan was president and owner of several businesses, including Viking Pools and Structures, builder of granite swimming pools and other recreational facilities in the United States and internationally. He was president of the Northeast Swimming Pool Association, and co-founded the Aquatech Corporation. Allan was a founder and president of the Upper Main Line YMCA, a founder and governor of the Waynesborough Country Club, and a chairman and trustee of Berwyn United Methodist Church. Allan had an adventurous spirit, and was always ready for new opportunities and challenges. An avid reader and great believer in education, he encouraged his four daughters to read, travel and be lifelong learners. He chose optimism over pessimism, and never spoke poorly of anyone. Following his stroke in 2007, Allan set an example for all who knew him with his hard work and positive attitude toward recovery. He loved fly fishing, skiing, golfing and Philadelphia Flyers games, but most of all, spending time with his family. Following the death of his wife, Norah, Allan married Shirley Thompson, and together they lived in Costa Rica, Panama and Corvallis. Along with his wife, Shirley, and sister, Mary Louise, he is survived by his four daughters, who loved him dearly. He leaves behind Diana Weir of Boise, Idaho, and grandchildren, Martha, Peter and Katie; Nancy and Michael Lilburn of Wooster, Ohio, and grandchildren Allyson, Ian and David; Judy and Peter Hanson of Wayne, Pa., and grandchildren Whitney and Hunter; and Meredith Weir and husband, Cosimo Storniolo, of Corvallis, and grandchildren Nina, Sarah, Norah, Isabella, Divya, Benny and Agoesh. Allan is fondly remembered by his sister, Mary Louise of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as a wonderful big brother, and he will be greatly missed by her two children, Patti and Robert. Along with Norah Weir, he was preceded in death by his brother, Murray Browne Weir. Allan's family would like to extend sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff and residents of Regency Park Place Assisted Living, who created a wonderful home for Allan where he felt comfortable and loved during the last two months of his life. Thanks also to the staff of Benton Hospice Service, who cared, guided and supported Allan and his family with great kindness and compassion. A family gathering was held in Corvallis to commemorate Allan's life, and a celebration of life is planned for 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, at Berwyn United Methodist Church.

Tributes

Allan Weir

January 20, 1924 - May 21, 2011