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
32 Responses
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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