Alastair Thomas Wallace Highet

Alastair was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland. As a young boy Alastair liked to play football and learned to play the piano. He was educated at Kilmarnock Academy and the University of Glasgow where he completed studies in music and organ.

Alastair and Isabel Highet emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1958, shortly after they were married. Alastair began as a grade 7 teacher in the Nanaimo School District #68, then became music coordinator where he directed the school music programmes from 1963 until 1988. Alastair and Isabel were instrumental in bringing music (the Kodaly music system), to all the elementary schools in the district during this time.

The New Generation Chorus was formed by Alastair Highet in 1968, and was composed of young people from Nanaimo. Alastair also founded Arts Alive in 1984, a summer arts program in Nanaimo.

Alastair and his family cherished living in a waterfront home in Lantzville for over 60 years. He enjoyed boating to the islands, fishing, woodworking, gardening, reading and the spectacular ocean views. Alastair had a small pipe organ in his home for 35 years, then later a Phoenix electronic organ, both of which he played for enjoyment, practiced for recitals, and recorded CDs.

After retiring in 1988, Alastair and Isabel traveled the world, including back to their beloved Scotland.

In his last days, he mentioned how lucky he was to have such a long and wonderful life where he was able to fulfil his dreams and more. Alastair was a loving husband, caring father and grandfather, musician, organist and Canucks fan who had a wonderful Scottish sense of humor and enjoyed a good meal and a wee dram!

Predeceased by his wife Isabel, and his son Ian, he will be sadly missed by his children Colin (Leza), Sheena (David), his three grandchildren Bryan, Quinn and Isla (Ash), and his nieces and nephews in Scotland.