Alan Barker Lord

Alan was born in Alexandria, Egypt to Richard and Catherine Lord and moved to New York at the onset of World War II, when he was five. He grew up in Westchester County with his beloved younger siblings, Phil and Susan. Alan attended public school #15, Hackley in Tarrytown, prep school at King’s School Bruton in Somerset, England, and Hamilton College in upstate New York, where he was an active Alpha Delt.

Alan spent his teenage summers in New Hampshire, as a counselor and lifeguard at Camp Lawrence and at his family cottage, Fern Lodge, at Camp Hedding. The U.S. Navy beckoned Alan upon graduation and he was commissioned an Ensign at Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Following Air-Ground Officer School in Pensacola, Alan joined VA-112 in Alameda, California, assigned to the USS Hancock as an Air Intelligence Officer. He was deployed to the Pacific on the Hancock. Thereafter, Alan joined COMNAVAIRPAC Admiral Ekstrom’s staff as one of two Intelligence Officers, based on North Island in San Diego.

This assignment allowed him to meet the love of his life, Dorothy Fairles, a young teacher and recent transplant from Michigan. They met, fell in love, and were married. They started their life together renting a charming old beach house on Coast Blvd. in La Jolla. Alan transitioned into the Naval Reserves, started his career as a banker, and welcomed their first daughter Anne. While expecting their second daughter, Sheila, they moved to Mt. Laurence Drive in Clairemont, overlooking Mission Bay. Two years later, their third daughter, Sarah, completed their growing family.

Alan was happiest when he was with Dorothy and their girls. He adored being the father of three daughters, and could not have been prouder or more supportive of each of them. The Lords were a close-knit, loving, and active family, with annual summer vacations to visit family in Michigan and New Hampshire, motor home trips throughout the West, and San Felipe Beach & Tennis Club trips. When they weren’t traveling, they were sailing, body surfing, or heading out on “mystery trips” almost every weekend.When grandchildren arrived, Alan was overjoyed. He was an active and involved grandfather, always with a big smile, big hugs, and fun adventures. Alan enjoyed sailing, skiing, traveling, Chargers games, tailgating, BBQ’ing, and all things Navy and San Diego. His Mt. Laurence neighbors were like family. Upon moving to Point Loma, he quickly built another close group of friends through becoming a docent at the USS Midway and gardening with the Mean Green Team.

Professionally, Alan worked for several banks in San Diego, managing offices from La Jolla to downtown San Diego. In 1962 he joined First National Bank of San Diego, which later became Union Bank, and in 1980 left to form The Bank of San Diego as executive vice president, director, and secretary. He was recognized by his peers and elected President of the California Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.

In 1989, remaining a BSD director, he acquired a small import company manufacturing high-end bronze garden containers and statuary in Bangkok. Together Alan and Dorothy grew The Brass Baron into a national leader in the garden decor business, winning many “Best in Show” awards. The couple worked harder than ever, traveling to numerous garden and gift shows across the U.S. each year, visiting friends and family along the way. In 2006, Dorothy and Alan sold the company to a colleague who became a lifelong friend.

During retirement, travel increased as Dorothy and Alan enjoyed three round trips between San Diego and New Hampshire in their mini motor home, spent more time at Fern Lodge in NH with Alan’s brother and sister and families, Hamilton reunions in NY, and visiting grandkids in Orange County and Northern California. Trips to England to visit old friends and European river cruises with new friends from La Jolla Presbyterian.

Throughout his life, Alan believed in community service, and was often honored to serve in leadership roles. President of the La Jolla Town Council, Chairman of America’s Finest City Week, Trustee for La Jolla Presbyterian Church. He was a long-time and active member of Rotary and the University Club. He enthusiastically supported Dorothy’s very active volunteer work, particularly the many activities supporting the Children’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Alan is survived by his three daughters: Anne Rockhold of Palo Alto, Sheila (David) Hickey of Coto de Caza, and Sarah (Dan) Holloway of Los Gatos. Proud grandfather of his six grandchildren: Catherine (Rockhold) Annunziata of Haslemere, England, Lt. Peter Rockhold, USN of Ventura, Lauren Hickey of Tustin, Megan Hickey of Henderson, Nevada, Rachael Hickey of Austin, Texas, and Madelyn Holloway of Los Gatos, and one great-grandson, Alexander Annunziata of Haslemere, England. His wife Dorothy, brother Phil, sister Susan, and son-in-law Craig preceded him in passing.

Alan died peacefully at home on February 18, 2022 at the age of 86. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at La Jolla Presbyterian Church at 11:00 a.m., with a reception following at the family’s home in Pt. Loma. Donations are welcomed to the USS Midway Foundation: midway.org/donate-now or the Mean Green Team of the Point Loma Association: www. pointloma.org/donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beardsleymitchell.com for the Lord family.