With deep regret we announce the passing of Dr Alan K Huggins RDP (1936-2025) who had been unwell for some time. Alan made many contributions to philately in the UK and the world over many years, especially through his ground-breaking work on postal stationery. He also filled many positions in philatelic organisations including the Presidency of the Royal Philatelic Society London and Chairmanship of the FIP Postal Stationery Commission. His knowledge and wisdom were widely admired and he received many high honours. He set a high standard of scholarship and excellence that has provided an outstanding example for others to follow.
His far-sighted belief in the importance of international cooperation led him in the 1980s to become a leading advocate for setting up a European Federation of Philatelic Associations to promote closer cooperation between national philatelic organisations. In 1989 this resulted in the foundation of FEPA with Alan as its first President. He served as President until 1993, by which time FEPA was firmly established with a growing membership. He was then appointed to be the first Honorary President of FEPA and to this day we are indebted to him for the clarity and determination that he brought to the foundation of FEPA. We remain committed to the objectives that he outlined at that time.
FEPA sends its deepest condolences to Alan’s family as well as its gratitude for his many achievements. May he rest in peace.
Bill Hedley
Photo: Queen Elizabeth II with Dr Alan Huggins at the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) in 2019.
[photo credit: RPSL]
A full appreciation of Alan’s contribution to philately has been written by Chris King and appears on the RPSL website. Please click the link here to read the obituary.