[DSM-Iowa] Alan Ackley Passes Away at age 79

[Tai Tomasi]

I’m so saddened to hear of his passing. He  and his family are in my thoughts.  

Tai Tomasi, J.D., M.P.A.
Email: tai.tomasi8 at gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone. Please excuse my brevity and any grammatical errors.

> On Dec 31, 2020, at 12:35 PM, Robert Ray via DSM-Iowa <dsm-iowa at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> Greetings Federation Family. It is once more with heavy heart that we must tell you of the passing of
> A long time friend and member of the Des moines Chapter NFBI, Alan Ackley. Alan joined the chapter in 1974 and has been an active member ever since. Whether he was helping on chapter projects or doing his best to keep up with repairing of Perkins Braillers, he has played a vital role in the community.
>  
> Below is the article that appeared in the Des Moines Register on December 30, 2020. Please keep Alan’s family and all of his friends in your thoughts and prayers as we bring this difficult year to a close.
>  
> Bob Ray
>  
> From: NFB-NEWSLINE Online <publications at nfbnewsline.net> 
> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2020 11:42 AM
> Subject: Article from Des Moines Register Online Obituaries Section 2020 12 30
>  
> Alan Keith Ackley. Alan Keith Ackley Alan K. Ackley, 79, loving husband, father and grandfather, died unexpectedly at his home on December 24, 2020, in Des Moines, Iowa. Born July 2, 1941 in Des Moines, to Wayne and Karen Ackley, Alan attended Des Moines schools and graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 1959. He attended Drake University with Linda Lou Haney. The two married in September 1964. Alan had an enthusiasm for mechanical things - especially Braille machines. It was when Alan began work at the Iowa Department for the Blind in 1974 that he found his calling. His orientation training (wearing sleep shades as blinders the first few weeks) triggered Alan's passion for Braille and his lifelong interest in Braille machines. Alan even became a National Library Service-certified Braille Transcriber. In the mid-70s, Alan started Ackley Appliance Service (aka Braillerman), his own Perkins Brailler repair company. At the time of his passing, Alan had reconditioned thousands of Braillers for individuals, schools, and agencies in nearly every state. Alan is survived by his son Steven Ackley (Elizabeth), granddaughters Madison and Sabrina Ackley, brother James (Donna) Ackley, sister-in-law Carolyn (James) Shaffer, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Karen and Wayne Ackley, his wife Linda Lou Ackley, his brother R. Steven Ackley, and his son David Alan Ackley. A memorial service will be coordinated at a future date to celebrate Alan's life. Memorial contributions may be made to National Federation for the Blind (NFB). . Published in the Des Moines Register from Dec. 30 to Dec. 31, 2020. . 
> 
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