Vale Allan Warrener
On hearing of the passing of Allan, the common response from fellow Rotarians was that he was a “gentleman” and by one member as “one of the most generous and kind people that I have met”.
Allan passed away on 17th May aged 96.
He joined the Rotary Club of Footscray in June 1980 and continued that association until his death. His contribution to the club was highlighted by his appointment as President in 1999-2000 and recognition as the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow with Sapphire in 2001.
During his year as President Allan promoted closer bonds with the community by presenting Honorary memberships to The Mayor of Maribyrnong, the Chancellor of Victoria University and the President of the Western Bulldogs. The major project for his presidential year was to form a link with the Royal Children’s Hospital in supporting a “Liver Cell Bank” – a project that was launched at a special dinner held at Moonee Valley Racecourse.
At the very successful 2008 District Conference, hosted by the Rotary Club of Footscray, Allan successfully negotiated the unenviable task of coordinating all the accommodation bookings.
Being part of the welcoming team at Rotary meetings was a role Allan wholeheartedly embraced. Always smiling, he would greet everyone with a firm handshake, ask “how they were going” and, in many ways, set the mood of fellowship for a successful gathering.
Allan and his wife Val (who predeceased him) generously opened their home to hold kids Christmas parties for many years. These were joyful events which put a smile on the faces of all those involved.
Although he and Val had a successful business - Apollo Blinds, in 1968 as a mature age student Allan commenced studying chiropractic and, upon graduation, established a practice in Paisley St., Footscray.
Allan had a profound love of sport and sports people. He was active as a competitor and coach in professional athletics, competing in sprints and middle distances events. With his new vocational direction, he assisted with fitness training at the home of his beloved Footscray/Western Bulldogs Football Club. These connections, together with his burgeoning practice, attracted many sportsmen.
Allan recently completed the draft of his second book “My Champion Friends in Sport” which features stories about famous athletes with whom he had crossed paths and, in some cases, treated over the years. The list includes footballers Ted Whitten, John Schultz and David Darcy. Also, runners Rick Dunbar, Rick Mitchell and John Stoney. Previously he had published “Peak Performance, Enjoyment, and Well-Being” which promoted Vortex Energy Therapy a new concept covering many aspects of mind-body function. At Rotary meetings and District Conferences Allan also gave demonstrations of his chiropractic techniques.
The following tribute encapsulates Allan: “… traits of open-heartedness, respect and decency, together with the courage of his convictions will stay with all of us as we remember Alan …. a life so well lived”
Our condolences are extended to Allan’s three sons and two daughters.