Alan was born June 6, 1948, in Liverpool England and moved with his parents to Victoria, BC at the age of six. As a young child, Alan’s deep love for and connection with nature found expression through exploring the tide pools and coastline of Beacon Hill Park and fishing with his father. At thirteen, Alan began his life-long love of cycling and competitive bike racing. After graduating from Mt. Doug High, he studied Anthropology and Creative Writing at UVic and had multiple poems from that period published.
In 1974, Alan began his studies at the Victoria College of Art, exploring drawing, painting, and sculpture, and eventually earning the honour of becoming the first Associate of the College. He went on to teach at the college and became the Head of Evening and summer classes. His art practice was an integral part of his entire life.
In 1976, Alan married his beloved Joanie Kyle, beginning a long, loving partnership, and soon after started a family with the arrival of Michael and David. Alan was embraced by and cherished spending time with the broader Kyle family. Also, during this time, Alan worked as a bicycle mechanic, first at Gordon’s Sporting Goods and then at Russ Hays. In 1981, Alan went back to UVic to earn his professional teaching certificate, and upon completion was immediately hired by St. Michaels University School as Head of the Art Department.
In the early 1990s, Alan created a high school competitive cycling league, inspiring young local riders, many of whom continue riding to this day, and some of whom went on to become National and World competitors and champions. Alan also continued his own love of competitive cycling, both road and mountain. Alan, David, and Michael spent many happy, adventurous summers racing throughout BC and western United States. He was his sons’ steadfast mentor, coach, and mechanic as they went on to achieve their own success in cycling and life. Retiring from SMUS in 2008, Alan remained immersed in the world of cycling and later joined Oak Bay Bikes as a part-time bike mechanic.
Throughout their life together, Alan and Joanie manifested their committed partnership and love through their art, adventures, gardens, home, and dedication to family. Alan was delighted to become a grandfather and the adored “Popop” to his three grandchildren.
Alan’s artwork is enjoyed and hung in the homes of family, friends, and institutions around the world. Alan described his big, beautiful, paintings as having many layers. This was how Alan himself could be described. One of those layers was as a member of a small art focus group with whom he generously shared his considerable insights. He brought quiet observation, pointed questions, respect for the process, and a deep understanding of the hard work of creating. His last works, small gouache paintings, have a powerful, simple, and singular radiance.
In January 2019, Alan was diagnosed with stage four Ampullary cancer, a rare form of pancreatic cancer. For over two-and-a-half years, Alan faced this cancer the way he lived his life: with grace, great perseverance, grit, courage, spiritual practice, and an enduring ability to perceive beauty and experience gratitude and joy. He passed away peacefully in Hospice, in the early morning of August 25, 2021, surrounded by Michael, David and Joanie: Team Jones.
Memorial Service will be held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Zoom link below:
Please use your video camera when joining so that family in attendance can see you and feel your support.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81494484994?pwd=N0NwOG9IaU83T2RiVStzRXpQNTNrUT09
Due to COVID regulations and knowing that some attendees are at high risk for COVID, all who attend Alan’s memorial are asked to be vaccinated before attending, and to remain masked and adhere to social distancing requirements.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lesley Walker
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Michael Wale Dear Jones Family
It was with sadness I recently heard about Alan’s death. I was a student of his at St. Michael’s University School. Mr. Jones was an important person in my life at that time as he gave me the confidence and encouragement I needed to pursue my interests in art. Through his thoughtful consideration and support I was able to pursue my dreams and achieve so much. Thank you Mr. Jones, I am sorry I never had the chance to let you know how much I appreciated your kindness.
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Raymond Clements In all my time as a student of the Victoria College of Art since 1984, I believe that I could not have met anyone so fine and supportive as Alan Jones. I always enjoyed his company whenever we met and I always thought of him as my friend. As time passed we both shared a mutual respect for our art. In 2000, my wife and I decided to go sailing. This could mean a long break in my art career. I thought of Alan and his bikes and knew he would understand. I knew from Alan that our art was the most wonderful byproduct of the joy we shared in life. So I went sailing. When my wife, myself and two boys returned 11 years later, I wanted to go thank Alan. I let go and we sailed all the way to Sydney, Australia and back. It was a great honour to know him to work with him and I will never forget any of the lessons we learned and taught at the evening drawing and painting classes at the Victoria College of Art.
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RebeccaHazell Dear Joan and family,
Such sad news. We feel and share your sorrow and offer deepest condolences. Alan was such a lovely man and such a talent.
Becky & Mark Hazell
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Layth Matthews My deepest condolences to you and the family Joan. Alan was such a wonderful man. It always raised my spirits to meet the two of you. He was always cheerful, kind, and insightful. He had that wonderful twinkle in his eye, that let you know he was seeing the best in you. I hope to see you again soon. Sending you love and big hugs all around.
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Cam Culham Oh Joan and boys, I was sad to hear this from Kevin and I send my love to you all. May Alan’s memory be a blessing…I will ride my bike in his honour this weekend. All of us (your friends and former colleagues) at UVic send our condolences.
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Cathy Aquart Dear Joan and Family,
I was so sorry to hear the news of Alan’s passing. I don’t think I ever met him, but the tributes to his life and legacy here have been very touching. My sympathy to the family on his loss.
In deepest sympathy,
Cathy Aquart
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Alain Costaz To the Jones Family,
My sincere condolences for your loss. I met Alan in the mid seventies when I came to Victoria and began art school. It was an important and formative period of my life and Alan was a part of it as a fellow art student and a generous and engaging colleague.
Becoming reaquainted with him in the last three years with a group of artists coming together to look at and discuss each other’s work was an opportunity I am very glad to have had and I will remember Alan fondly
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Bob Richards Dear Joan, Michael & David,
It was with such sadness that I read about your great loss, and want to tell you that my thoughts and memories are very much with you at this time of grief.
Alan meant a great deal to me, both as a colleague and as a close neighbour as we spent those years together when School House became our new classroom block. His quiet sense of humour, optimism and encouragement will ever remain in my mind, as we came to know and respect each other.
My most vivid recollection of Alan’s sense of fun was when I was putting on the school play – The Physicists – and I needed a portrait to display on stage of a revered ancestor. Could he help? Of course he could and later presented me with a magnificent offering to adorn my set. So often was it referred to in the dialogue that this painting assumed the persona of another character! Later, when I asked him who indeed his subject was, he replied with a straight face and with that inimitable twinkle in his eye. “It was Yuri Gagarin, of course…”
I am so grateful to have had such wonderful memories of a man who made our school such a humanitarian and enriching experience. Thank you, Alan!
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Rennie and Ruth Warburton Alan was a wonderful son to our dear friend Holly. When Holly wasn’t driving anymore, he would take his mother shopping, later did the shopping for her, and he drove her to the hairdresser’s every week. When he was unable to visit Holly anymore, he kept in close touch by daily phone calls. We know how much Holly appreciated Alan’s love, help and patience.
We extend our deepest condolences to Joanie and all the family.
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NEIL DALRYMPLE To Joanie and family- please accept my condolences for the loss off Alan.
Alan was one of my first friends when I moved to Victoria in 1974 at a time when I was feeling rather lost. Although I have not seen Alan for many years, I still recall his voice, his bikes and himself with great affection.A very sad loss.
Could you please send your address, as I would like to send a card.
Affectionately,
Neil
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NEIL DALRYMPLE Neil Dalrymple To Joanie and family please accept my condolences for the loss of Alan. Alan was my first friend when I moved to Victoria when I was feeling rather lost in 1974. Although I have not seen him for many years I still remember his voice his bikes and Alan vividly from that time spent in Victoria.
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Virginia Ronning To Joan and your precious sons. I was so sad to learn of Alan’s death…and am sorry this wonderful person is no longer here to share his wonderful smile, thoughtful reflections, and gracious presence. I will be with you online for his memorial and with you in spirit. Virginia Ronning
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Joan Tweedie Dear Joan,
I remember Alan for his wonderful talent as a teacher and artist, for his kindness and grace. Rob and I always enjoyed his warm and enthusiastic company.
He inspired so many students and initiated new art events and experiences for students on campus over many years. Please accept my sympathy at his passing. Warmly Joan
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Kath Roth Dear Joanie and family,
There is heaviness as I write…
Alan was a teacher and colleague whose passion was quiet but deep, whose dedication extended to everything he embraced, and who, when he gave his word, could be counted on to follow through steadfastly. First and foremost, though, he was a truly good human being. I feel privileged to have known him.
At SMUS, I have visions of Alan heading off at the end of any given day, geared up with a group of students to do a “Dump Run”. On any other given day, (when not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse) there was Alan in the hallway of Schoolhouse, setting up another impressive and varied display of student art.
And beyond what defined him as a teacher, I cherish the memory of having shared with him, on another level, a quiet understanding of William Styron’s memoir: Darkness Visible.
I respected Alan immensely and I will remember him in kind.
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John Luton I was so shocked and so sorry to see Alan in the obituaries. I’d known him for decades as a postive and vibrant co-conspirator in the cycling world. We raced together way back in the ’70s and he was always a gracious competitor. I moved away to Ottawa and ran into him again from time to time after moving back. He was still always a friend with a ready smile and and easy going manner that now will be sorely missed. So sorry for all the other friends and especially for Alan’s family who have lost such a beautiful soul.
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Terence Young It is hard to know what to say at times like this. What I will say is that I liked Alan immensely. I admired his many talents and his profound understanding of art and all its associated disciplines. It is an understatement to say he was a skilled teacher. He was also perpetually curious, a quality that kept him young. At times, he made me laugh out loud. He was also a humble person, never one to blow his own horn. He was, in short, a great colleague, someone who made others feel at ease by simply being himself. He was one of the good ones. I shall miss him
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Michael Flisak I have many fond memories of Alan Jones. One memory stands out as a role model for the kind of ‘right attitude’ it takes to be a teacher. In my third year at the Victoria College of Art, I was kind of thrown in to the role of Evening Life Drawing Classes Instructor. Alan had been running his evening painting classes and I asked him if I could sit in and ‘get some tips from an old pro.’ I was amazed at how he left no stone un-turned. I was early, but he had everything already set out and ready to go when I got there and was reviewing his lesson plan for the evening. He told me “Even though you command the floor, you need to make the students feel empowered, like they can do this. Be confident and your students will feel confident.” When it comes to teaching, this is one of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned and it was from Alan, who, although I haven’t had much contact over the years, I have always deeply loved and respected. He had an infectious laugh and you always felt good when you were around him. It deeply saddens me that I will never see him again. My condolences to Joanie and all the Jones and Kyle family members.
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Bob and Joan Snowden To Joan and his boys;
Alan has such a fond place in my memory, and in the memory of others. He will be remembered well, as he was liked and loved in his lifetime. I enjoyed working with him while we were both at SMUS; I don’t know anyone who didn’t enjoy working with him. His thoughtful, compassionate surface was an exterior that could not hide his deep passion for his art, for his work as a teacher, and especially for his students. He added threads of his own to the fabric of SMUS life that were uniquely his. He was a proponent of creativity and compassion simply by being a fine example. His embracing spirit was warm, kind and principled. My wife, Joan and I, offer our heart-felt thoughts to the entire family.
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Bruce Saunders Alan was a good man. I’m pleased to have known him and wish we had more time to spend. Alan was always a generous listener, and friend. I’ll miss him.
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Janet and Murray Drew We are eternally grateful for the healthy distraction that bike racing provided for our children as they navigated through their teenage years. We are so thankful that Alan created the school cycling league for them to participate in, and now they have passed their love of cycling down to our grandkids. You will not be forgotten Alan, rest in peace. Deepest condolences to the family.
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Kenneth Smith Dear Joan and family, I am saddened to hear of Alan’s passing for I was not aware that he was so ill. He was a wonderful colleague (as were you!) and certainly a teacher the students were fortunate to know. Thinking of you all in the days ahead.
Ken.
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George Allen So very sad to hear this news of Alan’s passing. Condolences to his loving family and to all who knew him over the years. I first knew Alan as part of the Victoria cycling community back in the early/mid 1970s and during this same period worked alongside him at various times as a bike mechanic at both Gordon’s Sporting Goods and Russ Hays. I remember him as a kind and gentle soul always willing to lend a hand and quick to share a laugh. Alan could be competitive in the heat of a bike race but he was never a hothead. He seemed to be able to put life in perspective and I feel certain he found happiness along the way.
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Joe Barrett My deepest condolenses to Alan’s family and friends. I remember Alan when I was a junior competitive cyclist in Victoria in 1973 and 74. Alan worked repairing bikes at Russ Hay’s and Gordon’s before that. Alan was a connection to BC’s cycling history for all of us young racers as he had competed when he was younger. It was good to reconnect with Alan a couple of years ago and reminiecse over a cup of coffee with John Luton. A very sweet man and sad to learn of his passing.
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David John Sudbury To the Jones family,
I forget which of Alan’s birthdays it was, but the call came in to put together a ride in the Sooke Hills. What a great day out on the bikes. We even foiled a late breakaway so the birthday boy could take the podium.
They’re developing Bear Mountain; our trails are threatened and there’s a meeting to discuss the plan at the municipal hall! Who do you call to come with you and wave the flag? Alan Jones.
Gosh, this is a buff piece of single track – super flow, unobtrusive, part of the forest. Has it always been here? I want to shake the hand of person who built this. Well, that would be Alan Jones.
I didn’t know that you’re an artist. Would you like to come over and check out my work? I would love to get your take. And Alan Jones did come by, did share his thoughtful insights and genuine consideration.
Alan may all your segments be KOM’s, the wind at your back, the pavement as smooth as glass and the beer as cold as ice. You are missed.
David Sudbury
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Donna Williams Dear Joan and family
My deepest condolences on your loss. Working with Alan will always be a happy memory of my teaching time at SMUS. He was a wonderful teacher and a lovely colleague. Sending much love.
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Anna Forbes Remembering a trusted colleague with whom I had the privilege of working for several years, and who taught me much. Alan will leave a huge gap in the lives of Joan and the boys, and will be missed by many. Sending sincere condolences and love to all the family.
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Dave Osmond Sincere condolences to Joanie and family. I met Alan through cycling and as a fellow scouser we really hit it off. He truly was one of the Good Guys and will be missed by all that knew him. No more mountains to ride now Alan. Rest in peace. Dave Osmond. Sidney Velo Cycling Club
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Mike Clermont Joanie and Family,
Please accept my most heart felt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I have found memories of working with Alan at Russ Hay’s. Alan gave me a painting he had done, which I cherish.Mike Clermont
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Valerie Boal May your years of happy memories help you through this most difficult of times.
It was always my pleasure spending time with Alan over the years at the dental office.Valerie
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Irene Dumka Joanie and family please accept my deepest condolences in the loss of your very dear husband, father, and grandfather. I have known Alan since he came to Canada. It is a tremendous loss for all of you.
I grieve for all of you. Irene Dumka
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Thomas Kyle Alan was my incredible brother in law. We laughed, played, cycled and worked together on many wonderful projects. To me Alan was always gentle, honest and deeply patient and supportive. Some people just understand things at a deeper level. Feel things at a deeper level and are able to process everything with a steady guiding hand. Alan was such a friend and mentor. He was steady and clear because he knew the power of loving support………….. of acceptance and non judgement. He lived a truly beautiful life, inspired many and was simply an extraordinary brother in law. With all my heart I thank you Alan for being such a guiding light, keeping things simple and loving unconditionally. A true inspiration.
Thomas Kyle
September 2022: A month ago, I decided to pass on my old Sekine road bike. I wanted to give it to Alan who in the Seventies went with me to choose the bike to buy. I knew that he would make it perfect again and find the right person to give it to. To my shock I learned that we had lost Alan…..I couldn’t believe it. As I read the tributes to Alan, please know that he was kind, thoughtful and generous even way back then…he was a lovely, lovely person.
Joan, Michael and David be heartened by the number of people who cared deeply for Alan. Me too.