ADLER, Allen

ADLER

ALLEN L. ADLER died peacefully on February 11th, 2018 at his home in Lethbridge, surrounded by his children.

Allen was a Father, Grandfather, Brother, University Professor, Lecturer, Outdoorsman, Spiritual Explorer, and Collector of Collectibles. He was born in Washington D.C in 1942 and earned an Associate’s Degree from Baltimore Jr. College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Towson State University, Master’s Degree from George Peabody College for Teachers, and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Growing up in the playgrounds of Baltimore shaped Allen’s life. Having been a player, student athlete, playground leader, lifeguard, and coach all led him to become a teacher by default. As he said “no career appealed to him more.” He enjoyed working with people of every age, race, religion and ability level; teaching physical education came naturally.

Allen taught at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee for a year, and then moved to Canada in 1972 accepting a position at McMaster University; where he taught before moving to Lethbridge to join the University of Lethbridge Faculty of Education in 1975 where he taught until he retired in 2000. The spirit of the playground was present in his physical education curriculum, instruction, teacher education, and above all his family life.

His love of sport and outdoor activities was instilled in his children at a young age. From coaching his children’s sports teams, to family outdoor pursuits. Some of his fondest memories were spending time exploring, skiing, and being among nature in and around the community of Beaver Mines. Over the years he developed a deep respect for the First Nations tribes of Southern Alberta. He explored the cultural and spiritual history of these groups, which became a passion for him later in life.

He is survived by his children, son Joshua; son Seth, partner Nicole, and granddaughters Haven and Beau; daughter Meghan, husband Grant, and grandchildren Reese, Abrielle, and Addison; son Tai, partner Kasia, and granddaughter Juniper; sister Loretta Kaminsky, sister Rosalie Klotzman, and brother Richard Adler.

A private funeral service was held for his children at Mountain View cemetery on Monday February 12th, 2018. The family has designated the Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers for memorial contributions.