Alan struggled for almost a month to overcome the results of an October 5th brain hemorrhage. He died peacefully November 1, 2009 with his dear wife Pam present. He also leaves two much loved children, Peter, aged eleven, and Julia, almost seven. He has predeceased his mother and father, Doris and Dick Creech; his mother-in-law Sheila Tolman (Al); and father-in-law Elmer Thiessen; his sister Jill Charlton (Mark); and brothers Richard (Pauline), Edward (Barbara), and Cameron (Jennifer); brothers-in-law Doug Thiessen (Lori) and Brad Thiessen (Christina) together with many well-loved nieces and nephews. He was born April 9, 1966 in Ottawa, Ontario and attended Carleton University. His love of the outdoors drew him to the University of Victoria when he realised the potential of year round canoeing and camping on Vancouver Island. Subsequently, he gained his MBA at Royal Roads University. He earned a commission with the Canadian Artillery Reserves where he particularly developed his leadership and instruction skills. During his time with the Artillery, he also made close bonds of affection and respect with two best friends, Scott Wisdahl and Troy De Souza. Later, as his son grew, he transferred some of his interest to Scouting leadership. He responded to the Call of the Coast and, amongst other difficult trails along the West Coast forest and beaches, he has completed the West Coast Trail nine times in the past fifteen years, the latest just this past August with his son, his sister, and a nephew from Ottawa. He was generous with affection, drive, and help for his friends, and will be sorely missed. Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 4:30pm at the Bay Street Armoury. Entrance and parking on Field Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Scouts Canada (to be used by the 5th JDF Scouts), 2678 Silverstone Way, Victoria, BC V9B 6A6.
47 Responses
I came across Alan’s obit just recently and was saddened to learn of his untimely passing.
Even though we only worked together for a short time together at OCG (summer of ’94), Alan always had a smile and a friendly greeting every time we bumped into each other.
Alan was one of the good guys and will be missed.
Thank you. I still read everyone’s comments every year. They mean so much to me being able to read about how my dad was able to touch so many people, it truly amazes me.
To whoever is just reading this for the first time or just finding out, don’t be afraid to comment becasue I do still read this.
Dear Pam,
I don’t know if you still check for messages here. I only just learned of Alan’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you & your family.
Sincerely
Jen
I am so sad to hear of Alan’s passing. I enjoyed many good times with Alan growing up in Kanata. I pray that God will comfort you in the days ahead.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Alan. I have many fond memories growing up in Kanata with Alan, Kevin Joel, Michael and Robert. Good Bless.
I can hardly express the sadness I felt when I heard that Alan had passed away. There are some things you think of as eternal and the friends you make in your childhood are assumed to continue to exist although we are all growing older. I first met Alan in Mrs. Eltis’s grade 4 class. I wasn’t overly impressed at the time given that he was a “boy”! However, 5 years of homeroom with him in high school as well as numerous camping, cottage, and high school trips all combined to change my opinion. Alan was a warm, caring person who always considered how other people felt. He was laid back and his sense of humour got me through many days at the Earl. I have never been able to hear a Doors song without thinking of him because he was constantly singing the lyrics.
Pam,
I’m sorry that I never had the oppurtunity to meet you. Alan talked to me about you when he and Scott came through Toronto on their motorcycle trip. He was so happy so I know you must be a special person. I am sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your children as well as to Mr. and Mrs. Creech.
Robin Ahamedi (nee de Graaf)
Alan was a high school friend of mine. He was the one that I could count on to join me in adventure. It was Alan who scraped me off the road after my bike tire got caught in the railway tracks near Dunrobin. It was Alan who joined me the day that – inspired by Bill Mason’s then recently released Waterwalker – I wanted to go canoeing before the season ended. We enjoyed a late November day on the Clyde River, with snow on the ground to either side of us and ice on the calm water. Alan was also the source of trouble at my family dinner table, as I innocently brought home one of the expressions he had picked up while “playing army”!
We did not stay in touch despite a few efforts on both sides. I thought that there was time – next year, or the next. I knew of Alan’s passion for his wife, his children – whom I never met – and for scouting and the outdoors. I know how they must all miss his great good humour, his playful spirit, his solid presence. Alan was a great buddy. I am so sad that his time ran out so soon.
Melissa Johnson