Alan Strickland

STRICKLAND, Alan John September 20, 1943 September 6th, 2014 Alan Strickland passed away peacefully on September 6th at Victoria General Hospital. Born in Vancouver, he is predeceased by parents Patricia and John Strickland, sister Katie, nephew Ian, and stepdaughters Jillian Gardner and Sonya Kazyss (Michael). Alan will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by his loving wife of 20 years, Marylou; his children Roger, Samantha, and Erin Parton; stepdaughter Stephanie Gardner-Gouthro (Todd Gouthro); grandchildren Quinn and Jenna; niece Leanne Chinery, and many friends and extended family. Alan had a big heart, gracious soul, quick wit, and profound intellect. He was deeply engaged with the world around him, and enjoyed lively discussions about music (especially Bob Dylan!), poetry, world and local politics, and the environment. Alans many friends can attest to his feisty side, and to his loyalty, strong sense of fairness, and his deep faith. Throughout his professional life, Alan used his gift for communications. After his early career as a broadcast journalist covering the BC Legislature and Parliament Hill, Alan then worked in Communications Management for the Federal and BC Provincial governments. Regionally, Alan was a community activist and consultant, promoting recycling programs and emergency response and recovery programs in Juan de Fuca communities. He was also passionate about education, creating Town-to-Town Canada, an online learning resource for BC secondary schools. In 2008, Alan began designing and teaching university undergraduate courses on media, writing, and public affairs. No doubt Alans love of language and the written word served him well in his daily conquering of at least one crossword puzzle! Alans faith was important to him, and he loved being a part of the St. Rose of Lima Parish. It gave him great pleasure to be working with the team involved in the creation of the new Parish, and especially to contribute to the design and layout of the churchs kitchen. Throughout his life, Alan inspired and encouraged others. He believed in people, and always looked for the light in them. His own light was very, very bright. May it shine in our hearts forever. Special thanks go to Sooke Hospice and the nurses and doctors at Royal Jubilees Patient Care Centre. A funeral mass and reception will be held September 22nd at 11 am at St. Rose of Lima Church, 2191 Townsend Road, Sooke. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church, or to the Patient Care Centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital.