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Sprightly grandfather achieved cult fame

09 Sep, 2008 10:17 AM
The man who gave the word "walk'' a whole new meaning, Alan Waddell, has died aged 94.

Mr Waddell, who made it his life's work to walk down every street in Sydney and was a frequent visitor to St George and Sutherland Shire, died on September 2 of complications after successful hip replacement surgery.

His walking tours, which took in 284 suburbs such as Banksia, Oyster Bay, Kareela and Gymea, made him a household name and he often stopped in to schools to chat about the benefits of an active lifestyle.

At a pit stop at Beverly Hills Public School in 2006, he said he was surprised by all the attention.

"I'm a celebrity; I don't deny it,'' Mr Waddell said.

"I haven't got a swelled head.''

He began his walking career in 2003 after his wife of 60 years, Marjorie, died of cancer and he was told to do more exercise.

On the website that followed Mr Waddell's adventures, his sons posted an announcement about his death and said they hoped the photos and stories remaining would still brighten people's day and encourage them to keep exercising.

Go to: www.walksydneystreets.net/news.htm

Mr Waddell's funeral was a Macquarie Park Cemetery on September 5.

Click on the link below and leave a tribute to Mr Waddell.

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Date: Newest first | Oldest first
Alan was a wonderful man and was, and is, a real inspiration. He will certainly be sadly missed by many, many, people. A true hero
Posted by Jenny, 5/09/2008 2:21:55 PM
A legend sadly missed. Walk on Alan
Posted by Gail, 8/09/2008 7:01:27 PM
Alan became to my family like another Poppy. He has taught us the joy of walking and enjoying our own suburb. We are always on the lookout for interesting buildings and signs. We have visited the sites of every picture posted about our own suburb. We are sad about his passing and feel like we have lost a family member.
Posted by Rhonda, 9/09/2008 9:58:35 AM
Alan will be sadly missed for sure. I have followed his walks almost from conception and loved each and eveyone of them. Living in Adelaide and my son living in Sydney gave me an opportunity to see the other side of Sydney one misses out when just viisting the CBD. Thankfully, his sons have made a wonderful decision to maintain the website - good on them and thank you. Look forward to receiving the next newsletter. Regards Carolyn McNamara South Australia.
Posted by patsone, 9/09/2008 2:12:09 PM
Because I feel Alan became so much part of my life when walking the by-ways of Sydney, he will always be there in spirit especially when I walk Sydney streets in search of new areas to explore. So, Alan, keep walking by my side.
Posted by ElaineD, 9/09/2008 9:48:03 PM
Am still going back into my old emails and looking backat Alans daily walks, which still gives me joy and encouragement, and even a laugh at times with some of the comments, enjoy Walk Sydney Streets, but miss Alan very much and his sense of humour.
Posted by Gerry, 16/07/2009 2:09:55 PM, on St George & Sutherland Shire Leader

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On the road again: Alan Waddell visited many schools in the area including Beverly Hills North Public. Picture: Wesley Lonergan
On the road again: Alan Waddell visited many schools in the area including Beverly Hills North Public. Picture: Wesley Lonergan
His boots were made for walking: Alan Waddell walking at Oyster Bay and Kareela in 2006. Picture: Carlos Furtado.
His boots were made for walking: Alan Waddell walking at Oyster Bay and Kareela in 2006. Picture: Carlos Furtado.

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