It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, son, brother, father: Alan Robert Dann, Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at the age of 59 years, in the ICU, Foothills Hospital, Calgary from complications of diabetes, diagnosed when he was six years old. Alan was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Born in Vulcan and raised on the family farm 4 miles west of Kirkcaldy, Alan developed a love of horses and enjoyed many good times with family. He shared many of these stories with friends and family over the years. He attended elementary and high school in Vulcan and graduated in 1973. During his school years, Alan created many lifelong friendships. Following high school, Alan took the automotive mechanics program at SAIT and apprenticed at the Ford Garage in Vulcan. A devoted father, he refereed and coached sports teams and enjoyed skiing with his children. Alan tried his hand at several different careers and took over the family farm for a short time. Returning to SAIT to learn accounting and bookkeeping, he worked with several companies, the last being Reid’s Auction in Calgary, retiring in 2007 due to failing health.
Alan and his sweetheart Susan met in 2004 and were married in 2008. He became very close to his step-sons and was much loved by all of Susan’s extended family. Alan and Susan’s time together was short, but indeed sweet and Alan’s memory will live on in Susan’s heart.
As Alan’s health deteriorated, he became well known at the South Calgary Dialysis Centre and Unit 37, Foothills Hospital. Alan and his family were grateful to so many nurses, doctors and other health professionals that did their best to help him. We send our thanks and gratitude to them all.
Alan’s faith helped him as he struggled with his health and he loved to attend church when he could. He surrounded himself with music his last few years, playing his guitar, learning new instruments like the piano and Bodhran Drum, and listening to artists on TV and his computer. Sing-songs at family gatherings were one of Alan’s favorite things and an outing to Long and McQuade would always brighten his spirits.
Alan is survived by his wife, Susan Lougheed, her three sons Nicholas, Joey and Jamey, mother Ruth Dann, sister Lynda Fewings (Keith), brother Norman Dann (Ganishka), nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Alan was predeceased by his father Benjamin Dann on July 30, 2013, grandparents Percy and Etta Clark, Benjamin and Marie Dann, aunts Bonnie Dann, Eileen Haga, Mildred Marshman, uncles Walter Dann and Howard Marshman.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Highwood Memorial Centre, Heritage Veterans Room (128 – 5 Ave. SW, High River, AB) on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at 2:00 pm.
Tributes may be made in Alan’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 – 32 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how fondly Alan will be remembered in all of your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this very difficult time.
Susan and boys, we are sorry for your loss. We will miss Alan at our family gatherings. He was a good sport and we always enjoyed his humorous observations. He was our friend for too short a time. Rest in Peace Alan.
My sincere sympathy to you all in Alan’s passing. He was a brave soul & an inspiration. God Bless.