It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Alana Nast, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandma and friend. She passed away peacefully with her children by her side on April 17th, 2024 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 27, 1961 in Vegreville, Alberta, Alana spent her early years living in Utah, North Dakota, and Michigan. At age 10 her family made their way to the beautiful West Coast of Canada.
Alana is predeceased by her father Rudy and sister Heather. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her children Micah (Hannah), Claire (Jordan), and grandchildren Emmerance and Elliot. In addition to her immediate family, Alana is survived by her mother Iris (Marlin); siblings Bobbie, Tim (Tasneem), Kimary (Khaled), Darren, Laurel, Shauna (Martin), Ryan, Coral and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Alana graduated from the University of Victoria in 1983 with a BA in Economics. She went on to receive her CA designation in 1988 and worked for national CA firms in Victoria for 13 years. In 2003 Alana and her business partner created the firm of Larkin & Nast Chartered Accountants and over the next 20 years she successfully grew her practice and was a well respected accountant in Victoria. Alana thoroughly enjoyed the work she did and valued the relationships she had with her clients. In 2019, Alana was appointed to the Island Health board of Directors and was the Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. She experienced a great sense of pride and joy while serving on this board.
At age 50, Alana found a love for running, hiking and tennis. At age 51 Alana completed her first marathon, ran many half marathons and ran the TC 10km every year. She hiked the Chilkoot Trail (53 km), a section of the Appalachian Trail (120 km), through the desert of the West Bank and many trails all over BC and Washington State. She was an inspiration to all of her family and friends.
Alana’s greatest loves were her two children and she devoted her entire life to them. A fiercely loyal and kind mom who found happiness in all things. Her door was always open for a laugh or a cry and you could count on her for anything. She was intelligent, offering a wealth of knowledge on all topics, and she was so beautiful, inside and out. She lived her life to the fullest and was always up for a spontaneous adventure. Alana was a true treasure and her spirit, strength and adventure for life will live on through her children and grandchildren.
A private celebration of life will be held in June. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the BC Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Catherine Holt
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Laurie Piazza Your mom is awesome! She was my Tax Accountant for 18 years and was also my cheerleader. She helped me navigate tax issues through my divorce and throughout the years as tricky things popped up with my ex. Each year after she completed my taxes, we would set up a meeting and she patiently explained everything to me and back in the day… things were complicated with a steady job I had, a small business I started, and a couple rental properties. She was kind and encouraging at these meetings and very patient explaining everything… She was so professional and punctual. I thought it was awesome how she volunteered for the board she served on and worked so hard, yet took time to follow her heart, hiking, and being with family. She was not only my Tax Accountant, but she was stability and a rock for me inshaky times, assuring me we were on the right path. She always had my back and her expertise was second to none. I miss her.
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Sheena Eraut I am truly sorry and devastated to hear of Alana’s passing, and my heart goes out to all those that loved her. Such a tremendous loss. I knew she was unwell and had reached out at the beginning of the year, but realized she might not feel up to or wish to respond. I also did reach out to Tim on messanger and had hoped I’d hear from him with good news. Something made me look for answers today, and I am so sad to have found she had passed away. I am sorry that we’d lost touch as we kept saying we’d get together. Anyway, my heart goes out to you all, but especially Micah and Claire. You had an awesome mum ❤️.
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JASON RICHARDSON Hello I met Alana in 1997. My father asked his taxperson in Toronto for someone in Victoria to assist me with my income tax. For over 25 years, She always helped in a kind gentle way with a gentle soul. She will be deeply missed. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Jason Richardson
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Anne McFarlane I served with Alana on the Island Health board and she was such a wonderful colleague: thoughtful, humane and highly competent. My condolences to her family and her friends on the loss of such a lovely person.
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Wendy Welch I felt great sadness hearing the news of Alana’s passing. My heart goes out to her family as this is a huge loss. I am Executive Director of the Vancouver Island School of Art and Alana was our accountant since I founded the school in 2004. We would only meet once a year, but I loved the meetings with her because she was a bright light of optimism even in the most difficult financial years for the school. She also attended several fundraisers in support of the school. Even though I did not know Alana as a friend, I can say that I really loved her as person. She always managed to keep my morale up and say the most beautiful and kind things about my efforts to keep the school going through thick and thin. I will never forget her.
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Corol Pallan Our sincere condolences to the Nast family. Alana touched our hearts from the moment we met her as a student at Langford Elementary. She stood out, even at a young age, in the most remarkable manner: an intelligent student, a fine athlete, a responsible leader, a kind, caring soul. We know these attributes defined her all her life. As a high school student we trusted her as a babysitter to care for our very young children. Later, as a young adult, she even further won the admiration of our sons and our utmost appreciation when she volunteered to take the boys on the Scream Machine at Expo 86, as their parents were not brave enough to do so. Through the years, whenever we connected with Alana, we felt the depth of her sincerity and honesty. It was an honour to have known her. She will forever be attached to our fondest memories. Heartfelt sympathy, Corol and Rupee Pallan
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Dianne Marks Alanna was our accountant. She guided my late husband, Albert (Al) and me with such a gentle way. She spoke about her love of running and hiking. We talked about our travels.
Life is not fair and I offer my sincere condolences to her children especially. RIP
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John Rizzuti Marilynne and I are incredibly saddened for your loss. Alana was an outstanding student in all things she did! Alana, Tim, Kim and parents (Iris and Rudy) left lasting fond memories of our Langford Elementary days. We also remember the babysitting for our baby Tina. Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to all the family. Peace and goodness be with you. John and Marilynne Rizzuti
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Brenda Orrick I was saddened to read of Alana’s passing. I had the pleasure of attending Tillicum elementary and Belmont High School with Alana. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
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Shelley B Alana managed the finances of my Mom’s estate. She was so compassionate in a very difficult time of my life. She definitely was a bright light and every conversation we had was always so positive and vibrant. My deepest condolences to her family. ❤️
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Lea Quinn My deepest condolences , I only new Alana from school at langford elementary she was a year older but she stood out always excelled in whatever she did, very kind , smart and athletic. RIP
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Bill Munroe My condolences on your loss. We went to elementary school together.
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Rick Chisholm I am so very sorry to read this. My very heartfelt condolences to the Nast family. I will remember Alana with very fond memories.
I’m very sorry to just be hearing about Alana’s passing at this time. She was my loyal accountant and business supporter, financial advisor and friend for almost thirty years. She gave me excellent advice and we always had a great conversation going about a million things. I’m so sorry to lose her wisdom and judgment and my sympathy is with her children, of whom she was so very proud, and her family.