Alastair passed away peacefully at home after a long fight with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Alastair is survived by Sandra, his best friend and beloved wife of 31 years and pre-deceased by his parents, Robert Sinclair and Mary Sinclair (nee Somervile) of Glasgow, Scotland. He was also, pre-deceased by his brother David, sister-in-law Rosemary (nee MacPherson), stepson-in-law David Ritchie, and grandson David Gotlieb.
Alastair had five children: Douglas (Ana), Gillian (Stan), Andrea, Fiona (Norman), Michael (Jodi), and daughter-in-law Elizabeth. He was the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren: Alexandria (Bongi), Ashley (Dylan), Jamie, Charlie, Katie (Cameron), Graham, Erin, Cameron (Cass), Brady (Justus) and one great-grandson, Saba.
When Sandra married Alastair, he became part of another wonderful family: Cathy, Nancy, and Mark, with grandchildren Rebecca, Parker, and Austin.
Alastair grew up in Glasgow and was educated at The Glasgow Academy. On completion of high school, he followed in his brother David’s footsteps and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Highlights of his childhood were playing golf, tennis, rugby, cricket, football, and of course sailing. He was particularly involved with the Scouts and at the urging of his Scoutmaster, became a King’s Scout. As a Scout, he climbed the Morgenhorn twice which peaked over 11,000 feet.
In 1958 at the age of 24, Alastair immigrated to Montreal. He was hired by Clarkson Gordon where he began his path to partnership at Ernst & Young. He lived in Montreal until 1974 and then transferred to Calgary. In Calgary he had many hobbies which he enjoyed with his children including cross country skiing and hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and he even bought a horse named Cork.
In 1977 Alastair and his family moved back east to Ottawa where he stayed for the remainder of his life. Alastair was a passionate sailor, and his favourite place was anywhere on the water. Alastair and Sandra were members at Britannia Yacht Club where they enjoyed sailing. Alastair and his crew Stu, Terry, Kit, and Alan set sail every Tuesday afternoon, rain, or shine with the reward of a wee dram at the end of the day.
In retirement Alastair and Sandra continued to enjoy sailing, including crewing the tall ship The Soren Larsen twice. They also enjoyed golfing and travelling. They lived in New Zealand for a year and had many wonderful trips to Scotland where Alastair was able to maintain his close relationships with his Scottish family and friends. In Alastair’s later years he was still able to enjoy golfing with Sandra, his sons, grandchildren, and son in law. He was also able to maintain and captain his own sailboat Spindrift until he was 85 years old.
In his final days he was surrounded by family and mentioned what a great life he’d lived. He often told his family that he felt fortunate that he accomplished everything on his bucket list.
Many thanks to Dr Voduc, Orleans Palliative Care Team: Dr Vincent, Dr Plaintive, Dr Rioux, Bayshore Community Care Nursing, (special thanks to Jayrald and Heather).
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Celiac Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Mario Clement
Diane Holmes
Sandra and all, I am very sorry for your loss. Jeff and I send our deepest sympathy.
David Eartly
My deepest condolences to all the Sinclair family . I have fond memories of him with many sailing ventures ,with his strong voice to pull harder on the jib line lol. A very inspirational man who also helped teach me proper manners . Thinking of you all , he will be missed! Love Dave Carolyn and family!
Sandra Lowther
Sandra, so sorry for your loss. I am very glad that you and Alastair shared such a wonderful life together. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Allison Dixon
Sincerest condolences to the Sinclair Family. What and accomplishment his life was to raise such wonderful children and grandchildren. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you all. Allison & Maeve
Janet Lockyer
Bill and I were sadden to hear of Alastair passing. My condolences to the Sinclair family. Alastair took joy in speaking in fun with his great Scottish accent, useing words no one could guess what they were. He will be dearly missed.
Jo-Anne Robinson
Sandra, Mark and I send our deepest sympathies to you and the entire family at the loss of such a kind and loving man. You are in our thoughts.
Love, Jo-Anne and Mark
Neil and Aisling
Sending our condolences to your family, Mike. Sounds like your dad was a great man and I loved that he did everything on his bucket list. Xo
Peter Cleveland
Judy and I send our sincere condolences to Sandra and family on both sides of the marriage. Alastair was a great confidant and sounding board for me. Although retirement has seen us travel in different directions, I have thought of him often and the sound advice he provided me over the years.
Gayle Low-De Groote
My deepest sympathies to the families of Alastair and Sandra. Remembering many dinner parties where Alastair was the highlight. Always so entertaining with many stories of his life experiences. The angels will be so delighted to have him in their presence.
Anne and I send our sincere condolences to Sandra and the family. Alastair was a great mentor and supporter throughout my career at EY. He was an amazing inspiration and always the nicest to Anne and I. He will be missed.