I was born Alan Charles Cracknell in 1929 in Parkes NSW - my father was also Alan Cracknell and my mother Madeline (Hayman)
Most of my childhood was spent in Woonoona NSW with younger brothers John and Carlton. In later life I commenced a career in Accounting, but soon moved on - in 1958 - to the fledgeling computer industry.
An interesting career followed, which took me to the US to assist in the development of a COBOL (computer language) compiler, and to many states of Australia - working mainly in the area of mainframe computer operating systems (PCs as you know them weren't around then)
At age 33 I developed Insulin Dependent Diabetes, and although I remained stable for many years after, I finally retired early - to persue as much as possible my other life interests of good food, fishing and reading.
In 1972 I married Lynda (Stevens) whom I had got to know when working for Control Data Australia, a large Australian computer company. Lynda and I, with Lynda's daughter Melinda, lived initially in New Zealand, then later in Sydney before moving to Darwin in the Northen Territory in 1982. We enjoyed 15 wonderful years in Darwin - a great climate all year round - but when Lynda took early retirement in 1997 we moved to Adelaide.
In the meantime, Melinda had married and now we have three wonderful grandsons - Bill Don and Jim - who visit from time to time from Melbourne.
We've created this page mainly for the interest of family and friends, but if you've found it by chance or by searching for common interests, please stay and have a look around. We welcome visitors and would be pleased if you'd sign our guest book. Or you could send me a personal email if you prefer.
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