Ian MacDonald has advised that Alan’s wife, Yvonne, has passed on the sad news of Alan’s passing yesterday (3/4/26) afternoon in Prince of Wales Hospital where he had been receiving treatment for respiratory problems
Yvonne and Alan’s family will be making funeral arrangements for later in the week at the earliest. The OTVA will be advised of the details of funeral arrangements as soon as practicable under the circumstances.
Please advise if you would be attending a funeral in Sydney for Alan so that Yvonne can make the necessary arrangements to accommodate numbers.
Alan was a staunch supporter of OTC, its staff and the OTVA where served on the committee for more than 20 years.
Alan spent 20 years working in Engineering Branch (1962-1982) working in Lae (PNG), Spring Street, Martin Place and Paddington.
Alan then transitioned into a role in Sales & Marketing from 1982 to 1992 working primarily in Martin Place and then Elizabeth Street until his retirement.
Alan was selfless in his devotion to those with whom he worked. He was an excellent mentor to many young techs over the years helping them to establish career pathways that helped them to achieve excellent job opportunities both here in Australia and overseas.
Alan oversaw many successful Engineering Projects that delivered positive benefits to OTC’s revenue and reputation within the international communications community of people and companies.
Alan would have celebrated his 93rd birthday within the next 2 to 3 weeks.
May He Rest In Peace.
Unfortunately the OTVA received late notice of the Service for Alan so the attendees from the OTVA of which I am aware were:
- Ian McDonald
- Laurie White and his partner, Noelene.
There was no funeral service but a Celebration of Alan’s life was held – Details below.
Date and time: 8 April 2026 at 2pm to 4pm
Venue: Zetland Child and Family Health Centre
Ground floor hall, Tote Building.
100 Joynton Ave, Zetland NSW 2017
Corner of Austin Grove and Joynton Ave, Zetland
The photo below shows Yvonne Hennessy, Craig Hennessy and Grant Hennessy (back row)
Below is a photo of the venue and some of those who attended the Celebration of Alan’s life.
5 Comments
Condolences to his family.
Alan was a top guy and boss who was very level headed and a pleasure to work with.
Chris McMahon ex Eng Branch
I was saddened to hear about Alan’s passing.
My deepest condolences to his family .
Alan was extremely well regarded as a Manager in OTC and he was a person that you could always go to for advice.
Many of us have lost a friend.
Dave Alder ex Engineering Branch
What a great life!
He will be missed!
May He Rest In Peace
Chris Bull
Thanks for this very sad news.
Alan did work for me both in OZ and in the Islands on many ocassions.
He was always diligent and a great team member and later leader. The Commission grew and expanded substantially as a result of his practical abilities and flair for innovation when troubles arose while Engineering in the backblocks and in the Cities
He was one of the many who could always be relied upon to complete projects effectively.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family.
Sincerely,
Wallace W DONALD
PS I do hope to exceed his lifespan in 3 years
Noelene and I were at Al’s memorial service this afternoon, which was well attended. Yvonne is well and was her usual stolid self.
Alan’s eulogy was delivered by their son, Craig, who spoke of Alan’s childhood growing up as an only child without a father but closely connected to his cousins, his apprenticeship as an electrician, conscription into the Air Force continuing his electrical training at Ultimo Tech and his lifetime hobby as a ham radio operator.
Grant, their second son had prepared a slide show and read letters to Alan, written by Grant’s daughters, who live overseas.
All followed up by a nice afternoon tea.
Craig said that he had read the OTCVA’s reflections on Alan and appreciated the stories.