Born March 5, 1933 in Roehampton, London, England. Passed away on May 13th, 2025 aged 92 at Madison Care Center, Coquitlam BC. Alan was predeceased by his wife Doreen May Smith (nee Blaskett) in December 2022, and sister Joyce Major and brother Ronald Smith. He was survived by children Don (Barb) Smith, Susan (Phil) Owen, and Wendy (Lyle) Haylock; grandchildren Andrew, Jade, Rachel, Hannah, Sarah, Deanna, and Brodie; and great grandchildren – Aidan, Anderson, Alexa, Aubrey, Olivia, and Margaret Doreen. The family are expecting two more great granddaughters this summer.

Dad had an eventful early life as he was evacuated at age six early in WWII, but returned to London and lived with his family through most of the Blitz. He shared both funny and grim memories of air raids and V2 rocket attacks. He was active in sports and a good student, and began his lifelong love of music in both Anglican and Catholic church choirs as a boy soprano including several recordings. Dad was active in scouting, eventually becoming an adult leader (Akela) to a cub pack where he met our mother Doreen (Balou.) They married in 1957 and immigrated to Canada along with Doreen’s brother and sister Edward and Brenda via ocean liner to Montreal and rail to Vancouver.

After arriving in Vancouver, Dad started working for the Post Office sorting mail on trains between Vancouver and Kamloops, later moving to the Vancouver main operations center downtown becoming a shift supervisor and manager over the years. Dad also spent time in Industrial Relations, Engineering and Service Design and other staff roles. Later, he managed the YVR airport operation, Surrey and Langley mail operations and served as Postmaster in Maple Ridge and Mission.

Dad’s love of music, especially choral music, continued. He was a tenor with a strong voice and a love of performing both as soloist and member of various choirs and productions including British pantomimes, Gilbert and Sullivan productions, and the Orpheus Male Voice Choir involving many performances and tours in the US, BC/Alberta, Maritimes and Wales. Dad was also director of the Silvertones Seniors Choir in Maple Ridge for many years involving many performances at local senior’s residences, senior’s centers, and charity events as well as some very enjoyable trips. Dad was also active in the St. Patrick’s Parish Choir in Maple Ridge for many years. He shared this interest with our mother Doreen who participated in many of these with him.

Dad’s interests also involved country life and nature. He shared this with Mum, and they fulfilled a lifelong desire to live in the countryside when they moved to Maple Ridge. They kept a number of pets over the years including dogs, cats, budgies, guinea pigs, and even a pet lamb called Noddie. They were also active with horses and riding sports, supporting Wendy and Susan through pony club and related activities. They always enjoyed nature and wildlife including visits from bears and other wildlife when they moved to Whonnock. They greatly enjoyed travel with friends and family including many trips and cruises.

Dad was always a strong, positive person with a great capacity for enjoying life while supporting his family, friends and community. This attitude continued though his life including support of Mum in later life, and his endlessly sunny and cheerful attitude throughout his long life. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and others he touched in his life.

Our sincere thanks to the Medical and support staff at Ridge Meadows Hospital for all the care and support Dad and Mum received over the years, especially as they grew older. Also, to staff at Chartwell Willow Maple Ridge where they lived for most of the last six years. And finally, to the Medical, Support and Administrative staff at Madison Care Center in Coquitlam where Dad lived when he required long term care over the last six months.

Service & Remembrance

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 18th at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Parish in Maple Ridge. Reception to follow in Parish Hall. If possible, please confirm attendance with the family (Don, Sue or Wendy) by June 10th for the purpose of catering planning.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Diabetes Canada in Alan and Doreen’s memory.