In Memory of

Allan

Telfer

Ironside

Obituary for Dr. Allan Telfer Ironside

Allan Telfer Ironside was born to Telfer and Ruth Ironside on September 4, 1932, in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. Born premature, Allan’s life hung in the balance. His mother prayed, “Lord, if you’ll keep my baby alive, I will give him to You, to serve You.” She kept her promise, of which she only told him more than 70 years later, shortly before she died. On January 20, 2017, after a joyful life of service, sacrifice and ministry, Allan went to be with his Lord. Allan grew up on his parents’ farm in Garden Plain, Alberta. He rode his beloved horses to country schools at Corrinne and Netherby. Though he was extremely shy, the kindness of older schoolmates and a desire to learn saw him excel as a student. After grade 9, Allan had to leave school to work with his father and brothers in a strip coal mine near the farm, but he continued to study through reading books. His goal then was to become a boxer. He trained under Packy Paul and never lost a fight. Chores, reading, training, and the give-and-take of a large, close-knit family developed Allan’s love for people, learning, discipline and work. On November 24, 1950, at age 18, Allan trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour, through the ministry of the Janz quartet. His desire for boxing disappeared. He still rose early but studied Scripture instead of training. A radio preacher, Mr. Muddle from Prairie Bible College, further challenged him spiritually, and he dedicated his whole life to the Lord. God blessed Allan’s farming endeavours; but one day he prayed that if he was to go into ministry, God would stop him from attending an upcoming bull sale. That very day, while docking sheep’s tails with his brother, the knife Allan held slipped and cut his leg, landing him in hospital. He missed the sale. Shortly thereafter, he sold his animals and enrolled in Berean Bible College, Calgary, in the fall of 1952. In his summers he worked back on the farm and on oil rigs. Allan graduated from Berean as valedictorian in 1955. He pastored in country churches and served with Youth For Christ before answering a call to go to India and help start a Bible College. He boarded a ship departing Port Arthur, Texas, in January 1959. It took him 40 days to cross the ocean, reaching Bombay on March 8; as he disembarked, his heart opened to the land and the people. He recalled those early days as very precious. Berean Baptist Bible College & Seminary was founded and continues by God’s grace as a rich, fruitful ministry to this day. Allan’s joy was to study God’s Word, teach, preach, minister to students and staff, travel for evangelism and serve the needs of the College. He didn’t have to do it alone: Soon after landing in India, Allan met an Irish lass, Patricia O’Halloran. In 1961 they married and went on to have six children, the joy of their lives. Their ministry, first in Bombay and later in Bangalore, spanned 40 years and several return visits. They saw students go on to establish daughter Bible Colleges; hundreds of churches planted or pastored all over India and beyond; deaf schools, orphanages, HIV/AIDS relief work, women’s cottage industries, rescue missions, evangelistic outreaches, music ministries and much more were brought into being through the grace of God and the hard work of the College’s graduates. Allan was awarded a Doctorate of Divinity Honoris Causa for his years of ministry and lifelong passion for study. Through it all, he remained faithful to the Faithful One who called him. The beauty of creation, literature, poetry and deep ideas sustained his heart and mind, with the loving presence of the Holy Spirit. His life was a poem. Ephesians 2:10. In later years, Allan and Pat experienced health complications and a couple of serious car accidents. Allan had heart surgery in 2003, and lost his beloved Paddy to cancer in 2007. Allan developed Pulmonary Fibrosis, a degenerative lung disease, and lived with this for many years. Even when reliant on an oxygen tank, he continued to preach, visit the sick, teach Bible studies and enjoy the wonder of creation, his friends, his children and grandkids. Allan passed away peacefully at sunrise on January 20, 2017. Crowds of heavenly witnesses would have welcomed him home, similar to India where scores of students would line the College driveway to welcome him back after being abroad. His name will be blessed and his legacy lives on. Allan was preceded by his treasured wife, Paddy; by his parents, Telfer and Ruth; by his brothers Gordon and Clark, and sister Mary. He leaves to mourn and rejoice his children, Karyn (Arny), Bronwyn (Paul), Allan (Angie), Cathryn, BethAnne and Deborah (Jonathan); his grandchildren, Luke (Jen), Craig (Kelsey – and first great-grandchild soon!), Matthew, Elliot and Oliver; his siblings, Margaret (Alex), Bruce (Bev), Mabel (Hank), Marilyn, sister-in-law Evelyn, many nieces and nephews; and countless friends. Gratitude goes to Dad’s doctors: Dr. Karen Rimmer, Dr. Navaid Husain, Dr. Anish Chari. Deep appreciation to the Homecare and Healthcare workers of Three Hills Health Centre. Debby McLetchie: Thank you.Thanks to his friends near and far, colleagues, Bible study groups and Bible College family. We are so grateful for all who supported him prayerfully and materially, and for Mr. Lyn Holloway for handling his business affairs. Thanks to all who participated in the memorial service, particularly Dr. and Mrs. Rendall, Dr. McIlveen, the Chelli family, and other friends, for traveling far to be with us. Thanks to Heartland Funeral Services for their gracious service. Thanks to the family for love both now and in eternity. May our faithful God bless and keep you all in His loving care. Ten thousand thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ, Whom Dad loved and served, and Who called him home. How thankful we are that we will see him again one day. “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

Memorial donations may be directed to the following organizations:

Global Baptist Missions
- Designate: B.B.B.C. and Seminary
P.O. Box 114
Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0


Three Hills Health Care Hospital Auxiliary
- Designate: Home Care
P.O. Box 340
1504 – 2nd Street North
Three Hills, Alberta T0M 2A0