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
Pam and family our thoughts and prayers go out to you at this very difficult time. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}
Dear Jill –
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear brother Al. I know how much he meant to you and how much yur loved him. Please pass my condolences on to Pam, his children and your family.
Love Janet
New Zealand
I knew Al in the 30th Fd in Ottawa and later in the 5th Fd RCA here in Victoria. We hit it off as we both grew up in Ottawa and shared the same warped sense of humour. Al, Chris Donald and I had some good laughs together over the years in the field at the OP and on the guns. I was in Tokyo when a friend passed the news to me that Al was in hospital. I was hoping to get in and see him on my return. We bumped into each other periodically over the years, but work and family kept me preoccupied. Al was a great guy and I will cherish my memories of our times together. My heart goes out to his family, who like many of us will miss his unique spirit. Al, on to the next adventure my friend, ubique!
How very sorry I was to learn of Alan’s passing. So many years ago, he was my first childhood crush and I always remembered him with great adoration. Not so long ago, we found each other on Facebook, and he spoke with such glowing pride and love of wife Pam, and children Julia and Peter. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Doris and Dick: So very sorry to read the notice of your son’s death, such a loss to all. You are very much in my thoughts. oan South
I knew al through the militia when we served together,he was a good natured,happy person who was a pleasure to be around.he was a good man.I`m very sorry for your loss.
Pam and Family,
I am so very sorry and sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this very difficult time. Even though we have just met I want you to know we are thinking of you. Take care,
Linda Giles
Studio 11 Designs
Dear Pam, Julia, Peter, Doris, Dick and the rest of the Creech family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Over the past few years with the loss of family members I can relate to how much it hurts right now. I have only met my cousin Alan a few times but I know that he was a lovely person. I admire his dedication to scouts and to his life’s work – his children Peter and Julia. Remember in your hearts the messages he sent to you by what he did, and things he said. Let the happy times he gave you be your most cherished remembrances. Love Kiersten Chase Brookes, Paul, Nathan(9), Owen(5), and Madeleine(10mos) Brookes.
Pam,
I am one of the many health care workers who cared for (and believed in) Al while he was in the ICU and on the wards, and I wanted to tell you that I am so, so truly sorry for your loss.
I also wanted to tell you that you are an amazing, strong, caring, and determined person. You never lost faith. You really touched me Pam, you and Al both, and I want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family, and praying for Al.
Deepest, deepest sympathies…
Ashley
Pam, I knew your husband from OCG, I have seen your family grown up at the Christmas parties over the years. Our children are the same age so we always had an instant connection. While I left OCG nearly two years ago I re-connected with Alan when he was one of the instructors at the Cub Woodbadge training last year. He was a great instructor and I could see how much he enjoyed and gave to the program. I then agreed to run one of the stations at the Wolf Howl in the spring. Hundreds of children will remember his Star Wars theme, the camp was magical despite the weather! I am so sad to hear this news and can not imagine the depth of your loss. I am so sorry, sincerely Leoni