Alan Goranson, 83, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024. Born on November 27, 1940, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Alan was known as an intelligent, creative, warm, and gentle man who dedicated his life to his community and family. He was a respected jazz pianist and church organist, artist and writer, historian, teacher, and coach. His family was always at the centre, and he enjoyed devoting himself to those closest to him. His life of service was a testament to his Roman Catholic faith.
After graduating from Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw in 1959, Alan briefly served with the Royal Canadian Navy before graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education degree, a Bachelor of Arts and Science, and a Master of Education. He began his teaching career in Moose Jaw and was then sent by the federal government to a Teachers’ College in Jamaica. After his return to Canada in 1967, he became school principal at Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan. In 1971, he began teaching at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and then transferred to Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon, teaching social studies, law, psychology, and Christian Ethics until his retirement in 2001. During his teaching career, Alan’s favourite extracurriculars were coaching the Model UN club and high school basketball team, directing the annual Holy Cross High School Variety Night, and organizing the Saskatoon Regional Science Fair. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for lifelong learning.
Alan was also passionate about music. He professionally played piano at events and in a Big Band; was the organist at parishes throughout his life; and loved entertaining friends and family at home. He also enjoyed writing, discussing Canadian history, watching movies, and playing with his children and grandchildren. His intelligence, ability to make others laugh, love of the written word, and ability to competitively play crib and checkers even into his latter years will be remembered and honoured. As a prayerful man, he often joked that he had his best conversations with God while picking blackberries every August.
Alan is survived by his wife, Elaine Goranson; his children, Tamara (spouse: Doug Chichak) and John (spouse: Seoyoung Ryu) Goranson; his grandchildren, Tavania and Taralyn Chichak, and Yohan and Jaewon Goranson; and, his sister, Barb Yopyk. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Semilda (Forrest) Goranson, and his younger brother, Dale Goranson.
A memorial mass will be held on August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount St. Mary Hospital, 861 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
13 Responses
Sending my sincere condolences to you all. I worked with Alan my first year teaching at Holy Cross. He was such a kind welcoming soul who made me feel at home at once. Our daily chats and his encouraging words left a huge impact on me as a young teacher. He was such a wonderful colleague.
Elaine, Tamara and John
i was saddened to hear of Alan’s death. He was a goo colleague, I appreciated your welcoming me into your home in Victoria when I lived in Courtenay from 2995 to 1999.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
To Elaine and Family. We are sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I worked with Al at Holy Cross and was always impressed with his honesty and commitment to the Catholic Religion. He always had sound suggestions at staff meetings and always let you know if he thought you were on the wrong track. As young teachers we needed the wisdom Al passed on in the teaching profession. Love you guys and Al will be missed. Regrets are that Heather and I lost track of you when you moved. Again our condolences to the family.