Alan Goranson, 83, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024. Born on November 27, 1940, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Alan was known as an intelligent, creative, warm, and gentle man who dedicated his life to his community and family. He was a respected jazz pianist and church organist, artist and writer, historian, teacher, and coach. His family was always at the centre, and he enjoyed devoting himself to those closest to him. His life of service was a testament to his Roman Catholic faith.
After graduating from Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw in 1959, Alan briefly served with the Royal Canadian Navy before graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Education degree, a Bachelor of Arts and Science, and a Master of Education. He began his teaching career in Moose Jaw and was then sent by the federal government to a Teachers’ College in Jamaica. After his return to Canada in 1967, he became school principal at Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan. In 1971, he began teaching at E.D. Feehan Catholic High School in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and then transferred to Holy Cross High School in Saskatoon, teaching social studies, law, psychology, and Christian Ethics until his retirement in 2001. During his teaching career, Alan’s favourite extracurriculars were coaching the Model UN club and high school basketball team, directing the annual Holy Cross High School Variety Night, and organizing the Saskatoon Regional Science Fair. Throughout his career, he was a strong advocate for lifelong learning.
Alan was also passionate about music. He professionally played piano at events and in a Big Band; was the organist at parishes throughout his life; and loved entertaining friends and family at home. He also enjoyed writing, discussing Canadian history, watching movies, and playing with his children and grandchildren. His intelligence, ability to make others laugh, love of the written word, and ability to competitively play crib and checkers even into his latter years will be remembered and honoured. As a prayerful man, he often joked that he had his best conversations with God while picking blackberries every August.
Alan is survived by his wife, Elaine Goranson; his children, Tamara (spouse: Doug Chichak) and John (spouse: Seoyoung Ryu) Goranson; his grandchildren, Tavania and Taralyn Chichak, and Yohan and Jaewon Goranson; and, his sister, Barb Yopyk. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Semilda (Forrest) Goranson, and his younger brother, Dale Goranson.
A memorial mass will be held on August 20, 2024, at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 740 View Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount St. Mary Hospital, 861 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Bill Michaluk
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John and Heather Perret To Elaine and Family. We are sorry to hear of Al’s passing. I worked with Al at Holy Cross and was always impressed with his honesty and commitment to the Catholic Religion. He always had sound suggestions at staff meetings and always let you know if he thought you were on the wrong track. As young teachers we needed the wisdom Al passed on in the teaching profession. Love you guys and Al will be missed. Regrets are that Heather and I lost track of you when you moved. Again our condolences to the family.
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Emily Kostiiuk Tamara Doug and family
Sorry to hear about your Dads passing.
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Cheri Beck To: Elaine, Tamara, John and Families
With heartfelt condolences we are sending healing prayers and comfort during this most difficult time. We have such fond memories of our family visits so many years ago which included game playing, great food and much laughter. Al was an incredible musician and would often entertain us with his gift and passion for playing the piano. He was a gentle, humble and caring man and will be missed dearly. “Our loved ones may leave this world, but they never leave our hearts”. Rest in Peace Al.
Remembered with love,
Vance & Theresa Fazekas and Families
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Oakley Rankin Al and I go back to the forties and fifties in Moose Jaw when we were in elementary school and high school together. During the fifties we each had our own separate group of friends and did not really get to know each other well until we arrived in the sixties at the University of Saskatchewan. Here we both were working on undergraduate Arts degrees and both of us eventually ended up in the College of Education. My first year was 1960 and during the second semester Al, Bruce Evans and I boarded with the same landlady and amused ourselves playing bridge when not studying. In subsequent years we had separate digs but kept in touch with a hand of bridge at the Student Union Building and the occasional beer at the King George Hotel in downtown Saskatoon. During most Christmas breaks Al invited me to join the fellows of his now scattered high school group playing their traditional shinny and beer game on the Moose Jaw River, often in temperatures well below zero.
Although we socialized together, I think what Al and I most enjoyed were discussions in an attempt to enlarge our understanding of the bits and pieces of the world we lived in. Not just ‘bull sessions’ as the popular description then had it, but more serious talk of ourselves, the world and our place in it. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed these moments which perhaps weren’t often enough and ended completely when I moved with my wife Shae to Montreal and eventually to Britain. Returning home in the 70’s we reconnected with Al and Elaine in Saskatoon and again shared good times together until Shae and I moved to Vancouver for another decade of separation. Eventually we moved to Hornby Island and Al and Elaine fetched up in Victoria and were once again able to get together at irregular intervals.
Something bound us together in spite of frequent long stretches of separation and I think it was largely due to the Al’s steadiness, his many eclectic interests, his empathy with differences between us, and his kind and compassionate outlook on humanity. Even in elementary school Al had an easy going seriousness about him based upon his interest in observing and understanding the world about him. We came together most often around our mutual interests in both literature and history as well as the pride we took in the accomplishments or our children. Although our meetings were irregular I think they meant more to both of us because of the strong bond we shared over the decades.
I am fortunate to be left now with my memories of Al; they sustain me.
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Nancy Fazekas Bill and I are so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I remember what gracious and wonderful hosts your dad and mom were when Sadie was in Victoria for a swim meet. We had an amazing dinner and enjoyed getting a tour of the house. Alan then took us to the airport and gave us a tour of the island on the way. So thoughtful and kind. We are thinking of you all and sending our love. ❤️❤️
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Joe Dierker Elaine and family, I recall the hours that Al gave to the St Philip Neri
parish choir in Saskatoon. His expertise and humor gave so much to our group, lifting
us up to celebrate and worship with our parish.
May God bless each of you. We keep him in our memory
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Sharon and Rick Murza Dear Tamara, John and Families,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Your father was a teaching colleague and a good friend, and we will never forget our one day in Victoria (part of an Alaskan Cruise in 2019) when your parents were such wonderful hosts. Rest in Peace, Alan.
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Marj Arnold Marj and Ed Arnold
To: Elaine,Tamara, John and family members.
From across the miles we are sending you all our heartfelt sympathy. There is no greater sadness than losing a loved one, or in our case, a very dear long-time friend. Heaven gained quite an Angel when Alan left us. When you look up into the night sky and see the brightest star shining above, that will be Alan looking down upon his loved ones and letting you know he is watching over you. Sometimes people are beautiful, not in looks or what they say, but because of who they are. Alan was a beautiful man inside and out. Alan was a quiet man with a kind soul as big as the Universe. Words of sympathy feel so inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for a loss so great. We want you to know that we are thinking about you all at this most difficult time and sending our love and condolences. “ The candle may go out, but the memory of its light remains.”
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Doug Darbellay Sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Condolences to his family. He was a fine man no doubt.
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Maureen Davies John and all family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Reading your father’s life story was really n eye opener. He did so many great things. I can really relate to his musical side. You are all in my mind as you get through these difficult days. With regards from your investing friend.
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Marla Bodnar So many fond memories of your dad. And more recently my trip to Victoria a couple yrs back while I was there for a special bday visit at Oak Bay. Alan and Elaine picked myself and Rick up from the hotel, then proceeded to their house for a glass of wine, some old photos on a slide projector and a trip down memory lane! We had a great visit and I knew when I said goodbye it might be our last in person visit. I never looked back on reaching out to connect as it warmed my heart that we were able to see each other. Both Alan and Elaine were always so accommodating. Never even hesitated to pick us up! We had some special visits over the yrs, that always included good food! My visits will be forever treasured.
Big hug to the family. It’s always hard to say goodbye, regardless of age and circumstances. May Alan rest in peace and play the organ for all that have proceeded him.
Elaine, Tamara and John
i was saddened to hear of Alan’s death. He was a goo colleague, I appreciated your welcoming me into your home in Victoria when I lived in Courtenay from 2995 to 1999.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.