Alexander Maclew Nisbet, born December 18, 1937, lost a hard-fought 24-year battle with prostate cancer on February 17, 2019. He did not let it damper his spirits and never complained. Throughout his 81 years, he was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, son, friend, and colleague. Al was also known as Alec by his parents and siblings, Lovely by his wife, Dad by his kids, and Pa by his grandkids. Everyone loved being around Al. The family anchor, our Patriarch, will be deeply missed by all!
Al married Sandra Lucille Coffey and loved Sandy exclusively for 57 years. They met when Al was doing military training in Asheville, NC and were married within a year on September 8, 1962. Together they raised their beloved family of four children in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg, Chicago, Raleigh, and Cary – Steve Nisbet, Stuart Nisbet, Roger Nisbet, and Peggy Nisbet Harris. Al and Sandy always welcomed new family with open arms, including daughters-in-law, Linda Wiedmann Nisbet and Suzy Insley Nisbet, and significant others, Kim Berthiaume and Todd Hand. The brood of eight grandchildren adored their Pa – Lauren Nisbet, Nicole Nisbet Post, Ashley Nisbet, Abby Hutchason, Rachel Nisbet, Sydney Harris, Ally Nisbet, and Brad Harris. Pa loved his kids and grandkids unconditionally, and one of his greatest joys was spending time with them. He never missed attending their birthday parties, games, competitions, recitals, graduations, and countless other celebrations. Family meant everything to Al.
James Pullar Maclew Nisbet and Doris Erma Fleischauer Nisbet brought their Alec into this world in Kitchener, Ontario Canada. He was the 5th oldest of eight children. His living siblings and their spouses include: Jim Nisbet (and Joan), Mary Nisbet Ellis, Beth Nisbet Wagner, Barb Nisbet Marcus (and Rich), and sister-in-law Rosemary “Cookie” Nisbet. Preceding him in death include siblings and spouses Tom Nisbet, Nanette Nisbet Kopin (and Joe), Beverly Nisbet White, and brother-in-law Bill Wagner. Over 20 nieces and nephews are also close to their Uncle Alec.
Al expedited his US citizenship by enlisting in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Paratrooper for three years. Al had a successful 35-year career with IBM and also led software development at Seer Technologies and Level 8. In early retirement, he formed Nisco Construction with his oldest son Steve; they built many beautiful homes in the local area.
Al was very intellectual, competitive, and inventive. He never shied away from a good debate. Through his adult years, he played competitive soccer until his mid-50’s and coached CASL for several years. Most of all, he loved watching soccer games that involved his 3 sons and his grand-girls. Al also was an avid runner and competed in 5k and 10k road races. He loved camping at Kerr Lake with his family and life-long friends, and this became his 4th of July tradition for almost 50 years. Al enjoyed water skiing, making campfires, and was the best outdoor grill breakfast cook. Al and Sandy spent 15 years in retirement living at North Myrtle Beach, SC. They loved making new friends, enjoying social activities, and hosting family and friends. The grandkids were a highlight playing in the pool and ocean and driving the golf cart with their Pa. As a senior, Al was still riding his bike up to 24 miles; he especially loved waking up early for long walks on the beach and often had Sandy meet him 6-8 miles away for breakfast. Finally, they settled at Windsor Point in Fuquay-Varina, where they continued making new friends just as they did everywhere they went.
Family and friends are invited to join us in remembering Al at a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 pm Sunday, February 24, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 SE Maynard Road in Cary, NC 27511. A reception and visitation will immediately follow the service at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a donation in Al’s honor can consider the American Cancer Society (to help eradicate cancer) or any organization that you enjoy supporting. Most of all, Al would want everyone to honor him through loving and supporting your own families with your whole heart!
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