Remembering Allan Munro ’55 P’81 ’83 ’11 ’13

Allan Munro ’55 P’81 ’83 ’11 ’13, a longtime supporter and devoted member of the Kimball Union family, passed away on March 25 at his home in New London, New Hampshire. He was 83.

Allan’s contributions to the KUA community began as a student, where he served as president of the Class of 1955 during his senior year and was awarded the Class of 1920 Award. As an alumnus, he leaves an unparalleled legacy of service to the Academy.
 
While attending Dartmouth College, serving in the Army, raising a family, and developing a distinguished career, Allan still found time to devote significant time volunteering for his alma mater. Twice for a total of 17 years, he served as a member of KUA’s Board of Trustees, including nine years as the chairman of the Board of Trustees. As an alumnus, he was a member of the Alumni Council and the National Advisory Council, and served as chair of the Campaign Steering, Annual Fund Leadership Gift, and Reunion Giving Committees. He also acted as a class agent for more than 60 years.
 
Upon his retirement as board chair, Paul Sheff, a former trustee and longtime faculty member commented about Allan, “. . . Allan Munro stands out as one of the best trustees KUA has ever had. Few have outworked him, or have been as generous, or have so completely committed themselves to our mission . . .” Paul went on to say "I also want to speak of another kind of contribution Allan has made, and that is as a model of what it means to be a trustee. By his action and his words, Allan provides guidance and stands as a wonderful model for service to the school.”
 
“Allan’s contributions to the Academy are seen at every turn on The Hilltop,” said Head of School Tyler Lewis. “His generosity of spirit, dedication to the Academy’s mission, and unwavering support have benefited generations of KUA students. He is an example of how one can so fully embrace their educational experience and create a lasting legacy for others to share in that experience. We are enormously grateful for his support and deeply saddened by his passing.”
 
For his commitment of both time and treasure to the Academy, Allan was recognized in 1995 with the Alumni Council Volunteer Award, and in 2005 was bestowed KUA’s highest honor, the Kimball Union Medal. In 2005, Munroe House was renamed “Munro House” as a tribute to his exemplary service. Munro House continues to serve as the home to the Head of School.
 
In 2006, Allan served as KUA’s commencement speaker. “I was told by a very successful person when I was at KUA – a friend of my parents – ‘success is holding on to one friendship in each phase of your life. It takes work, but it’s the best investment you can make,’” he advised graduates. “My volunteer work for KUA is selfish in a way, it disciplines me to stay connected.” Allan lived by these words and held onto far more friendships than just one from each phase of his life. His volunteer work was anything but selfish.
 
Many of Allan’s family members followed in his footsteps to KUA, including his wife Kathy Munro H’13; brothers Louis Munro ’57 and Blake Munro ’62; daughters Robin Gronlund ’81, Lauren Dole ’83, and Amy Munro ’11; son Jonathan Munro ’13; and granddaughter Annie Gronlund ’11.
 
Allan’s presence on The Hilltop will be missed, but his impact will be felt forever.
 
A celebration of life ceremony will be held at a later date. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Allan’s name to Kimball Union Academy. His obituary can be read online.
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