ALAN CATCHPOLE

Condolences & Memories (13 entries)

• We will remember and cherish the times spent with Alan and Alma on Vancouver Island during their escape from the Winnipeg winters. The walks, the talks and our poetry evenings brought such joy and companionship. W.B. Yeats was one of Alan's favourites. It only seems appropriate that we include Yeats in or tribute to such a clever, kind and thoughtful man. "I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree. And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow." Go now, go now Alan, go now to Innisfree, you have graced our Earth with your heart and humility. Larry and MJ Stene - Posted by: Larry and MJ Stene (Former colleague and friends) on: Dec 08, 2022

• In your life, I suggest, there is probably a rather small number of people who have had the most impact on your personal and professional growth and trajectory. These are people who, in your formative years, affected how you feel about yourself and how you treat others. They provided you with opportunities and inspired you to work hard to be all that you could be. For me, those people include my parents, of course. They did a very good job of raising me. I have very fond memories of my childhood; they nurtured my interest in books, learning, and science, and from them I learned that there is no harm in being kind to everyone. There were also several teachers in grade school and high school who had a substantial positive impact on me, but it was in my first year at the University of Regina that I came across an educator who immediately changed my life trajectory. That man is Dr. Alec Paul, who lit a flame under my smouldering interest in weather and climate. There was no turning back; I wanted to be a climatologist just like him. And then there is Dr. Alan Catchpole. When I started my Geography PhD at the University of Manitoba in 1983 my chosen supervisor was Dr. Derek Milton. A great guy, but he moved back home to Australia, leaving me in the lurch. Alan agreed to ‘take me on’, even though my computer-heavy dissertation research was somewhat out of his bailiwick. But, boy, did I ever luck out. Alan was an amazing supervisor. So supportive. So encouraging. So patient. And the classes that I took from him were outstanding. I loved his style of teaching and his climatological knowledge was second to none. But, more importantly, Alan became a role model. With me and everyone else he was always polite and willing to listen and help. Always a gentleman. Wise, hardworking, and intelligent, but always humble. Always generous with his time and money. Always nice. A class act. If I have any of these trait—and I certainly don’t claim to be all that he was—it is because I had him as one of my treasured role models. He was the person and professor that I try to be. To Alma and the family, I extend my deepest condolences. Your Alan was a wonderful man who had an enormous and positive impact on the lives of many, many people. I am but one of legions, I know. Thank you for sharing him with us. - Posted by: Danny Ernest Blair (friend) on: Dec 08, 2022

• Wonderful Neighbour and friends in the early 1970s. Deepest condolences to Alma and Family on your loss. Edward Goralski and Family - Posted by: Edward Goralski (Neighbour and Friends in the early 1970s) on: Dec 08, 2022

• Alan was an excellent teacher and researcher. He inspired and advised me through my studies at the University of Manitoba Geography Department. Deepest condolences to Alma and family. - Posted by: Irene Hanuta (former student) on: Dec 06, 2022

• Alan (Dr. Catchpole) and I worked together in the Geography Department, U of M for many years. He was a great department head when I started, and a fair and competent "boss" and colleague. We also enjoyed many gatherings both in professional and personal settings and we greatly loved socializing together in camaraderie, good spirit and his wonderful wit. My deep-felt condolences to Alma and the family. - Posted by: Trudy Baureiss (Colleague and friend) on: Dec 05, 2022

• A good friend and fine person. - Posted by: Herbert Weil (Friend ) on: Dec 04, 2022

• A good friend and fine petson. - Posted by: Herbert Weil (Friend ) on: Dec 04, 2022

• Quite simply my hero RIP Uncle Alan - Posted by: David Threadgold (Nephew ) on: Dec 04, 2022

• Hadn’t seen my uncle for a few years now but fond memories of the times we did see each other, either in Canada or Scotland..will forever remember our trip to Mount Rushmore and the fact no job was too much trouble for him..very sadly missed.. - Posted by: Jake Threadgold (Nephew) on: Dec 03, 2022

• I knew Alan for many years, about 50, and always enjoyed his slightly sardonic wit. I'll miss him. - Posted by: Michael Kinnear (friend and colleague) on: Dec 03, 2022

• Our sincere condolences for the loss of Alan - Posted by: Mariella and Yoshi Kusumoto (Friends) on: Dec 03, 2022

• Alan's obit says it well: "Alan was an exceptional man. Compassionate, caring and kind." He was also the finest colleague and one of the very nicest persons I have known; truly authentic in every way. I always enjoyed his company and conversation during our Tuesday lunches with other university friends, and would be touched by the occasional links he would send me to songs and singers he enjoyed. A truly gentle soul he was. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Lionel Steiman (colleague and friend) on: Dec 03, 2022

• Alan Catchpole was my thesis advisor at the University of Manitoba. I want to express my sympathies to his widow Alma and his family at his passing. - Posted by: David Ramsay (former student) on: Dec 03, 2022