Methody Collegians, mourns the loss of our friend and former President, Alan McKelvey.  Members of Methody Collegians reflect on - and give thanks for - his life and contribution to our organisation.

Alan served with great energy and commitment as Membership Secretary and as our first two-term President (2010 & 2011). His time in office was marked by a determination to modernise the former pupil association and to bring a more professional and outward-looking approach to all that we do.

He faced his final illness with the same resilience and quiet determination that defined his work with us. We were heartened when a trial treatment initially showed promise, and how characteristic it was of Alan to meet that challenge with courage and resolve.

Alan never lost sight of the value of his own education at Methodist College Belfast and Queen’s University Belfast. He was passionate about extending similar opportunities to others and worked tirelessly to support initiatives that widened access to education. His outlook was never confined to Northern Ireland, and he remained actively involved in projects such as MasiCorp in South Africa until very near the end of his life.

Family was central to Alan’s life. His move to Long Compton reflected his desire to remain close to those he loved. At the same time, he never lost his sense of humour - often recalling, with great amusement, his role as the scheming Edmund in a College production of King Lear in the 1960s. It was one of many stories that brought warmth and laughter to those around him.

Alan is greatly missed for his enthusiasm, his humour, and his friendship. Above all, he will be remembered for the integrity, conviction, and hard work .

Our thoughts remain with Anne and Rebecca, Nicola and Rebecca, his grandchildren, and the wider family.