Alan Wayne McMasters

On Sunday January 22, Alan Wayne McMasters passed away. He was eighty-eight years old. Born to Wayne and Velma McMasters in Kansas, Alan graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California at Berkeley and married Marilyn Jeffries in 1957. They were together for over 65 years. Alan earned his Master of Science degree in 1962 and his Ph.D. in 1966, both from UC Berkeley. After working for the US Forest Service for 10 years he joined the faculty of the new Department of Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. While at NPS he did research, taught classes and advised over 200 Masters theses. He retired as a Professor of Operations Research and Administrative Sciences in 1995. His hobbies included wood working, blacksmithing, and painting in all media. He enjoyed taking art courses at Monterey Peninsula College (starting in 1986 and continuing through 2012). He also enjoyed sailing and teaching sailing for the Navy Sailing Club. He was active in the Naval Postgraduate School Little Theater for five years, both as an actor and set designer. He was a member of the Navy Flying Club board for three years after getting his pilot’s license in 1966. He was Cubmaster of Cub Pack 103 at Foothill School for seven years. He was Band Boosters president for Monterey High School Marching Band for three years. He also acted in local Melodramas. Alan was a man who enjoyed dressing up for parties and events. He was especially fond of any reason to wear his red plaid pants, much to the chagrin of the rest of us. He was a devoted fan of the Trailer Park Troubadours, channeling his inner Flamingo Head, even before one of his sons (Todd) joined the band. Alan is survived by his wife, Marilyn McMasters, his brother Harold McMasters, his four children, Carol McMasters-Stone, Todd McMasters (Debbie), Kent McMasters (Barbara) and Evan McMasters (Lisa), as well as four grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. He also has multiple nieces and nephews. We will all miss him very much. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring/early summer. If you would like to be included, please email celebrate.big.al@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.