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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Alister M. Soutar

Alister Michael Soutar passed away on November 28, 2023  at Jenner’s Pond, in West Grove, PA., where he has lived since moving from Wilmington in 2011.

He was born in 1930 to Alister and Beatrice Duffy Soutar in Sewickley, PA. He was an all-around athlete in high school, competing in football, basketball and track, as well as a member of the National Honor Society.

He started working at the age of 11 as part time caddy master and continued working at Allegheny Country Club until he went to college at Yale University. After graduating in 1952, he joined the US Navy and spent 4 years on active duty and 22 more years in the Naval Reserves, retiring as Captain.

He worked for DuPont in Chicago, Mobile, and finally in Wilmington, for 42 years. He was a marketing specialist for films, mostly in food packaging. He travelled extensively to major markets in South America, South Africa, India, and China. He authored a number of technical papers, which he presented at industry conferences and organized a library of research articles for Dupont employees. He was named a DuPont Fellow in 1994 and retired in 1999.

He also coached his sons’ basketball and soccer teams, as well officiating those sports. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, optimistic outlook on life, and friendliness to everyone, but especially to women (in a good way). Even after suffering major strokes he maintained a positive attitude and worked hard to overcome his physical limitations. His major vice was a love of ice cream and root beer floats.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine, sons, Douglas, and Jamie (Carla), grandchildren, Adam, Gabriella and Bianca, as well as great grandson Nolan. He is also survived by his siblings, John (Shirley), Sheila Broman, and James (Robin), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Gracelawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Judi Marvel Charities at https://www.judimarvelcharities.com/product/donate/  or to a charity of your choice.

Funeral Services

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Gracelawn Memorial Park.

Condolences

    Carlos Ferreiro lit a candle and writes,
    Al was a mentor and friend to whom I could always go for advice end counsel. Outstanding human being. I owe him my professional career with DuPont. Rest in peace.
    12/01/2023 07:48 am
    Henderson Nora writes,
    Big Al, silver shoes, Hutchinson Island, raking leaves, duct tape on the dryer…so many memories! I will always be thankful to God for putting Al in all our lives, especially Elaine’s! It was a beautiful thing to see how he loved her! Elaine, I know your pain and will keep you in my prayers! Rest in peace, Al, until we meet again! Love you! Nora
    12/01/2023 09:37 pm
    Scott soutar lit a candle and writes,
    My thoughts and prayers are with Alister and our family.
    12/04/2023 08:10 am
    Juan Manuel Villarreal lit a candle and writes,
    Al, a great mentor, friend and human being. Always enjoyed his humor, knowledge and his way of facing life. So many memories in Colombia and many other places! Elaine, we have you in our prayers! Al, Bwana, as we called you here…many friends here miss and love you. May God have you in His hand.
    12/04/2023 08:05 pm
    Vladimir Antonov writes,
    Mr. Pinky .... too many memories of you and "Bruce" ! Hope they have better vodka where you are going. You were a mentor and friend to me and dozens of others and for that I'm eternally grateful. Glad that some of us got an opportunity to see you recently together with Elaine who was your guiding light and support. Rest in peace my friend after this one last trip in "economy" class. God Bless You.
    12/05/2023 09:22 am
    Maria Smigel lit a candle and writes,
    Al was one of my biggest cheerleaders, a great mentor and friend. He always encouraged me to reach higher. I will cherish the great memories working for him and the International Tech Service and Development Team. What a great time! He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace.
    12/05/2023 06:42 pm
    Barbara Sanders writes,
    Al was always a generous and caring man. Never forgot me even long after I stopped working for many many years for him and Elaine. He treated me like a friend not an employee and I will never forget that compassion. He will be missed by so many. God bless
    12/10/2023 08:09 pm

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