We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of two Aberdeen alumni, both of whom were honoured by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and received honorary doctorates from the University.
Dr Alistair Mair
Dr Alistair Mair MBE (BScEng 1957, LLD 2004) passed away on Thursday 4 April. He graduated from Aberdeen in 1957 and was a well-respected member of our alumni community who went on to undertake many senior volunteer roles within the University.
Alistair showed great commitment as Court member, Convenor of the Joint Planning Finance & Estates Committee and Chancellor's Assessor. He was Chairman of the Trustees of UASLAS and represented the University on the board of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). As a Trustee of the Development Trust, he was keenly involved in the Sixth Century Campaign and the University Library Project (now the Sir Duncan Rice Library) from the beginning. As well as being a generous supporter himself, Alistair was a dedicated fundraiser for the University both in the UK and US.
His career took him from a graduate apprentice with Rolls Royce in Glasgow, which was followed by a three-year Short Service Commission in the Royal Air Force, to Managing Director and Chairman of Caithness Glass before retiring in 1998 and going on to hold a portfolio of board memberships and trusteeships. He was awarded an MBE in 1987 and an LLD from the University in 2004, as well as being appointed Deputy Lieutenant for Perth & Kinross in 1993.
Alistair’s contribution to the University is immeasurable and he will be greatly missed. His funeral was private at his own request.
Dr Alan G Campbell
Dr Alan G Campbell CBE (LLB 1968 LLD 2005) passed away on Monday 8 April following a life devoted to public service.
Born in Aberdeen and educated at Aberdeen Grammar School, Alan gained an LLB from the University in 1968. Rather than pursuing a career in private legal practice, he took up a law apprenticeship with the then Aberdeen County Council and progressed through various legal positions there, and then with Grampian Regional Council, becoming Chief Executive from 1991 until 1995.
Alan was appointed as the first Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council when it was formed in 1996. His inspirational leadership steered the organisation through a period of continuous improvement, which saw Aberdeenshire topping league tables as having the best quality of life in Scotland, until his retirement in 2008.
He was a member of various bodies outside Aberdeenshire Council and served on the advisory group for the report, Devolution in Scotland - The Impact on Local Government, published in 2002. He also served as Chairman of SOLACE Scotland, the Scottish Branch of the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives & Senior Managers.
Alan was awarded the CBE in 2002 and an LLD from the University in 2005.
Alan’s dedication to public service was exceptional and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His funeral service is tomorrow, Friday 19 April in Fountainhall Church at the Cross, Aberdeen at 1pm.