Memories from Peter Dulmanis
With regard to Alan, others may have more specific details.
When I joined in 1967, Alan was I think based in Adelaide and providing local sales and software support for sites such as University of Adelaide (6400) and SA Public Service (3200).
Lynda Stevens before she became Lynda Cracknell joined CDA around 1969 and worked as an SE in the newly formed Data Services/Cybernet Services group. Alan later moved to Melbourne and the two linked up. I recall Lynda helped us out at NZTAB with back office systems development around 1973 and after that I am not sure where both their careers headed (possibly BHP support?), but both were professional and supportive CDA colleagues. Regards ... Peter
Memories Ron Bird
Alan was CDA employee #2 and joined CDA in Melbourne in 1963 as systems analyst when the CDA at Suite 16, 474 St Kilda Road.
This was prior to George Crawford (#3) and myself (#1) joining in August/September 1963. At that time the company was ETR (#8), Claire Manual (PA) (#4) Alan Cracknell (#2) Len Whitehouse (#7), Jim McGeorge (#5) and John Barth (visiting from USA).
Alan moved to Adelaide in late 1965 or 1966 to coincide with the installation of the 6400 and established a close relationship with University of Adelaide's Professor John Ovenstone both business and social. They were well known in Adelaide for their long lunches.
Alan was also involved with the Institute of Medical & Veterinary Science (IMVS) next door to the university in Frome Road who were one of the first CDA 1700 customers.
On a fishing trip in the Gulf the boat the pair were fishing from ran out of fuel and they had to be rescued. The local press ran the story and a cheeky reporter suggested that the pair of them could have breathed into the fuel tank to get home.
My fondest memory of Alan is that he introduced me to New Zealand Epicure Cheese in 1963 when the only place you could buy it was in Myer food hall. To this day every time I have some I always think of Alan. Regards .... Ron
Please send us your memories of Alan!
CRACKNELL,Alan Charles.Aged 82 Years. Late of Bundaberg Queensland. Died on January 6, 2012. Beloved husband of Lynda. Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Melinda and Rob. Loving grandfather of Bill, Don, Jim. Loved brother and brother-in-law of John and Margaret, Carlton and Merrilyn and loved uncle of their respective families.
Gone Fishing!
A Funeral Service for the late ALAN CRACKNELL was held in Bundaberg on Friday (January 13, 2012) at 10 a.m.
Des Allen & Co Funerals Bundaberg, Qld
