
Remember & Celebrate

A Zoom funeral service is scheduled for family and friends on March 6th at 11 AM. Please join us live on YouTube at https://youtu.be/EeFjjbiUODs.
Gathering
Opening words: Susie Henderson
Chopin Etude Op.10 No.1: William Aide
Family Remembrances
If I Had a Nightingale by Alan King : Shared Reading
Gayle Dudeck
Chloe King
Christopher King
Bradley Dudeck
Family Slideshow
soundtrack “Chasing Paradise” written by Alan King
performed by William Aide and Rachel Aide
Elaine Bird: poem
Community Remembrances
Jay Stone
Bill Aide (including Chopin Etude Op.25 No.12)
Slideshow of Alan’s Art
Roxana Spicer
Closing
Goldberg Variations Theme: William Aide
Closing words: Susie Henderson
Obituary
It is with great sadness that the King family announces the peaceful passing of Alan King on February 8, 2021, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Alan was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and emigrated with his parents Alfred and Maureen King in 1948 eventually settling in Whitby, Ontario. Predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Susan (Foster) King, and lovingly remembered by his two children, Christopher (Jessica) and Chloe (Romain), and sisters Gayle (Gary) Dudeck and Elaine Bird.
Alan studied classical piano, organ and English at Western University. An extraordinary, self-taught artist, Alan first worked in advertising and publishing, with some of his early illustrations appearing in the Toronto Star, Maclean’s, Time magazine and Readers Digest. Alan joined the Ottawa Citizen in 1979, where he worked as editorial cartoonist for 17 years. He was known for his sharp wit and smart satirical commentary (later donating over 700 political cartoons to the National Archives). He also contributed arts and book reviews.
After leaving the newspaper business, Alan had a successful career as a commercial illustrator, his work represented by a U.S.-based agent. He designed coins for the Royal Canadian Mint and illustrated stamps for Canada Post. When he returned to Toronto in 2013, he transitioned into web design and digital illustration, while teaching watercolour and digital art at George Brown College. Alan was a member of the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto, where he will be remembered for his stimulating conversations and infectious laughter.
His prolific output transcended convention and categorization and included oil portraits – one of his greatest passions, along with music. His paintings included such notables as William Aide (Musician/Artist), Andrew Absil (Anglican Bishop), Leonard Lee (Founder of Lee Valley), and Elizabeth Kilbourne (Anglican Priest).
Alan died after unexpected complications following heart surgery, despite every effort by staff at St. Mike’s to save him. The family is especially grateful to the doctors and nurses in the cardiovascular ICU, as well as for all the friends who sent their tributes and words of kindness.
In memory of Alan please consider ordering your own copy of his original childrens book
“If I had a nightingale“.
Beautifully written and thoughtfully illustrated,
your kids are sure to cherish it for years.
Select (or click) on the the book image below to make your purchase.
Our condolences to you and Gary.
LikeLike
I was so saddened to hear about Allan. I know how much he meant to you. Jews say a prayer for their passed loved ones called a ‘kaddish’. It is said three times per day and does not mention death, it is meant to be in memory of the loved one who passed. I have it translated from Aramaic below for you and I have placed a youtube of the prayer in Aramaic being sung in the youtube link under this paragraph. May Allan’s memory be a blessing to you and all that loved him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss.
LikeLike
Oh Gayle, I am so very sorry to hear of the sad loss of your brother. Love & Strength to you all xox
LikeLike
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Gayle. So so sorry.
LikeLike
So sorry for your loss.
LikeLike
What a loss he was a great guy and an incredible artist. I will miss him.
LikeLike
Oh no, I am so sorry Gayle.
LikeLike
Im so sorry to hear this very sad news. My condolences to you and your family Gayle. Sending you love and hugs. ❤❤😪
LikeLike
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
LikeLike
So sorry to hear this. I was thinking of you so strong tonight, and then I realized you had a new Facebook profile. I just read your entry now. My sincere condolences. So many family memories.
LikeLike