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Please feel welcome to submit memories of departed Allisonians you have known and loved. 

Roger Ackman (’60) 

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Roger Ackman (’60) after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Roger was always a passionate supporter of ������Ƶ Allison University. Many of his fondest memories were of his times in Sackville and his MtA experiences. Roger was a very proud member of the Board of Regents from 1983 to 1990. During his time, he served as a member of the Nominating and Athletic Committees. It was with great pride that he shared in the ceremonial walk to Convocation alongside his daughter Linda (’87) and future son-in-law Daryl Newman (’87). 

Roger’s time at ������Ƶ Allison was followed by pursuing a law degree at McGill University being called to the bar in 1963 and a 30+ year career as a corporate lawyer where he was a dedicated executive for many years. 

Until recently, Roger stayed close to many of his ������Ƶ Allison University classmates and, over the years, was an ardent supporter of many initiatives at MtA and an attendee of many Class of ‘60 reunions where there were many hours reminiscing about time on campus.  

Roger is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Valerie, daughters Linda and Susan and son-in-law Daryl, and two grandchildren. 

Brian MacMillan (’74, ’75) – Faculty (’88-‘96) 

Dr. Brian Clifford McMillan — former President of Holland College, Charlottetown, PE, passed away suddenly but peacefully, with his family by his side, on August 24, 2022 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, NS. 

Brian’s main passions in life were education (BA & BEd. from ������Ƶ Allison University and MA & PhD from the University of Alberta); athletics (a varsity football and hockey player, former football coach for the ������Ƶ Allison ������Ƶies, and avid fly-fisherman and “golfer”); and family/community (spending as much time as possible at the family cottage on Lochaber Lake, NS grilling up a feast for whatever crowd was gathered, and dedicating much of his free time to assisting in the Charlottetown community). 

Brian joined Holland College in 1996 and became the College’s fifth President in 2005. He was an exemplary leader during his 13.5 years as President, a passionate champion for students and staff, an enthusiastic supporter of athletics and wellness, and an active volunteer in the community, which he continued into his retirement.   

Brian brought his passion for community involvement to numerous organizations. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal of Honour in 2012 and the prestigious H.E. Miskiman National Leadership Award in 2015, celebrating his lasting and significant contribution to the aims and objectives of Junior Achievement in Canada.  Brian was recognized as one of Atlantic Canada’s Top 50 CEOs for 2010-2013, and, in 2014, he was honored with an induction into the region’s Top 50 CEO Hall of Fame.  

Upon his retirement, Holland College and the Holland College Foundation were proud to commemorate Brian’s significant contributions with the naming of the McMillan Centre for Community Engagement and the establishment of the Brian McMillan Legacy Fund.  

Rev. Robert Zinck (’55) 

After living a beautiful life of love and service to family, friends, church and community, the family of Reverend Robert Frank Zinck, 91, of Bridgewater share the news of his peaceful passing on Friday, January 12, 2024 at South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. 
 
Born in Rose Bay he was a son of the late Frank and Thurza (Evans) Zinck. 
 
Bob first attended school in Rose Bay then while in his teens moved to Newport, Rhode Island, graduating from Rogers High School in Newport in 1951. Returning to Nova Scotia, he attended ������Ƶ Allison University, Sackville, NB before taking three years off from university to teach school in the Chester area. Deciding not to return to university, Bob started working with the Canadian Acceptance and CIT Financial Corporation until 1960. 
 
In 1961, he entered the Shipbuilding Industry at Mahone Bay, purchasing the McLean Shipyard, serving as vice-president and general manager and when the yard closed in 1970 he returned to university. 
 
Called to full-time ministry in the United Church, he attended Pine Hill Divinity Hall and the Atlantic School of Theology before being ordained in 1973. Throughout the years, Bob served in many Pastoral Charges, in Saskatchewan and in the Maritimes. He served on and chaired various committees and divisions of the local church and Presbyteries, Chairperson of Valley Presbytery, New Church Development, Halifax Church Extension Board and the Hunter Fund and was also actively involved in the wider community 
 
Though the demands and expectations of a busy work and community life were many, Bob’s heart was always with his family. He and Bea were inseparable and their abiding love for one another was evident as they raised their children and in later years enjoyed many travels together. He was proud of all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren for the special people they were, encouraging them in their hopes and dreams.