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April 12, 1936 - June 22, 2022
With broken hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Allan, a devoted family man who was a proud husband, father, grandfather, uncle, confidante and loyal friend. Al loved his family deeply and was happiest when he was with them.
Al was born in Nanaimo and raised on Nicol Street, by his parents Robert and Amelia (Mick). He delivered newspapers, and played many sports including lacrosse, soccer, bowling and baseball. Cribbage was also a favourite.
He was a part of the first full year graduating class of Nanaimo Senior Secondary in 1954, and in 1957 married the love of his life Sharon Herman. They enjoyed 64 wonderful years together.
Al and Sharon raised their family in Nanaimo until 1976 and then moved to Nanoose Bay.
Al is survived by his loving wife Sharon, sons Donald (Karen) & Stephen (Keli), daughter Shelly (Dan), his grandchildren Erica, Nicole, Sam, Erin, Eden, Nicholas & Cory, and his brother-in-law Frank Herman.
He launched his work life at Harmac in 1954; soon thereafter, with advice from his mother, he took a pay cut to start his career with BC Tel. He began on the heavy gang crew, then rose through the ranks into management, eventually taking on the role of I & R supervisor in the Parksville office until his retirement from BC Tel in 1992.
During his telephone career, Al got involved with the local union executive as secretary treasurer, assisting with strike action in 1969.
In 1970, as a side project, he was one of four men who developed Arbutus Point Estates (now commonly known as Madrona Point). In 1979, Al and his partners followed up that success by starting the Fairwinds Golf Course and Community development, one of his most gratifying accomplishments.
After all of this Al took an interest in the stock market, learning and taking advice from those in the industry. He soon became very well known and successful in this arena and built many strong relationships. Thus Al never really retired, always working in one form or another.
He kept young by socializing with friends young and old by golfing, going to sporting events, reading newspapers, and staying up with the times. He loved to talk politics and was well versed on the local, municipal, provincial, federal and international events. And if you ever wanted to know about WWII, he read many books and watched every movie.
Through all of this he took pride tending to his garden. He & Sharon also enjoyed spending winter months in Maui, cruising, and his favourite trip was to the Antarctic. Canucks games and a yearly trip to Haida Gwaii were always enjoyed with family and friends.
Al loved being with people and he was happiest when he could tell a story or share a laugh. When people needed a trusted confidante or some advice, Al was often the person they turned to. He lived a full life filled with unconditional love for his family, an abundance of friends, many adventures, loads of fun, and most of all, laughter.
He left an imprint on everyone he met and if Al were to share any advice, he would certainly tell us all to live by his example. "It is not the years in your life but the life in your years that counts." (Adlai Stevenson)
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, July 19th from 1:00 - 4:00 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Allan to the Child Development Centre, 1135 Nelson Street, Nanaimo, BC, V9S 2K4.
Yates Memorial Services
250.723.5859
"Lives Cherished and Celebrated"

Service Details

Celebration of Life
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
1:00 PM
Vancouver Island Conference Centre, 101 Gordon Street, Nanaimo


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