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Alan Sydney Coombes, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on June 14, 2024, after a short illness. Born in Vancouver, BC in 1943, Alan lived a life full of adventure, dedication, and love.
Alan is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, with whom he shared a remarkable 56 years of marriage since their wedding in 1968. He was the proud father of two daughters, Robin and Meg. Robin, her husband Bob Scheifele, and their two children, Alex and Teddy, as well as Meg, her husband Raman, and their two children, Rishi and Rohan. He also leaves behind their beloved dog, Polly, who was a cherished member of the family.
Alan’s professional life was marked by a passion for the sea and the skies. He began his career with BC Ferries, starting as a server and working his way up to first mate. His dedication and skill led him to earn his master mariner’s designation, which allowed him to captain deep-sea research vessels for the Institute of Ocean Sciences and later for the Coast Guard. His love for aviation led him to earn a commercial pilot’s license, and he enjoyed flying his Taylor Craft plane. Even after retirement, Alan’s commitment to work never waned, and he continued to maintain the transmission sites on Mt. Tuam for Broadcast Technical Services.
A pillar of his community, Alan was an avid volunteer. He generously gave his time and energy to numerous organizations, including Hospice, Art Spring, Speed Watch, Friends of Ruckle Park, Lions, Rotary, Masons, Shriners, and many others. His selfless service and dedication were an inspiration to all who knew him.
Alan’s interests were diverse. He was a lifelong lover of dogs and a dedicated pet parent to many. His curiosity and willingness fueled many interests, especially when it came to mechanical pursuits. Alan sailed boats, flew planes, rode motorbikes and bicycles, and even purchased a small excavator he built himself just for the joy of digging holes. He had a particular fondness for trains and spent countless hours tinkering in his workshop, building and creating around his property.
A devoted patron of the arts, Alan traveled far and wide to attend performances of classical music, theatre, ballet, and opera. His curiosity about the world led him to become an avid amateur radio operator, connecting with people across the globe. Most of all, Alan loved telling tales. He could often be found at the local café with his friends, “swapping lies” as he would fondly say.
Alan Sydney Coombes lived a life rich in experiences, love, and service. His memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, July 13th, 2024 from 2 to 4 pm at 210 Bridgeman Road, Saltspring Island, BC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to SPCA or Pacific Opera Victoria in Alan’s honor.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Therin Gower
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Esta Bolliger Dear Mary
I am sending you heartfelt condolences for the loss of your husband.
I know you and Alan as SSI concert goers and Opera lovers.
Mary, I hope I still will have the joy to see you at ArtSpring for the new season.
Sending you loving thoughts and sympathy.
Esta Bolliger
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Meghan Howcroft I’ve known Alan since I started working at ArtSpring back in 2007. He was such a cherished volunteer, patron and donor – always willing to pitch in and help out with anything needing doing, purchasing tickets to literally every ArtSpring Presents event, even when the music, dance or theatre might not have been “up his alley”. Just so willing to support this organization and quietly and calmly helping in any way possible, including backstage laying dance floors, fixing things, hanging posters, etc. His stories and big laugh will be missed here and I’ll miss hearing his voice on the telephone and sharing a chat in the building. Much love to Mary and his family.
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Jill Tarswell Alan was a fixture at ArtSpring where I think he bought a cd from every performer who brought them. A wonderful and generous fellow, always willing to lend a hand, he’ll be much missed. Indeed, a life well lived!
Condolences to Mary, his lovely family and many friends.
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Gillian Taylor Our heartfelt sympathy to Mary and family. We knew Alan through Rotary, an organization he gave so much to. He had wide ranging and eclectic interests and a driving sense of curiosity which made him such brilliant company. Incredibly community minded and big hearted he helped many people on Salt Spring over the years. Chris and I will miss him hugely.
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Allan Bruce Dear Mary
We offer our sincere condolences to you on the loss of your wonderful Alan. Alan’s presence affected many of us in very positive ways and we will miss him.
With love Allan and Amrita
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Cicela Månsson I met Alan and Mary Coombes when I started working at ArtSpring in 2014. Alan’s positive attitude and quiet support went a long way in helping me feel like I belonged in this new community where I had arrived on my own. Alan was always willing to help whether it was billeting artists, hanging posters, being part of the backstage crew, or a myriad of other things he and Mary did to support an organization that was important to them. He was immensely kind and he always had time.
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David Bartle Silent key, fellow amateur radio operator, “high pockets” as he was affectionately known when he worked at BCFerries, volunteer supreme with Art Spring and the Salt Spring Lions club. I enjoyed “telling lies” or stories as we called them, at the various coffee shops, whether it was about marine vessels, motorcycles, or electronics, he always willing to help with some input. He will be missed.
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Dorothy Christopherson I am going to miss you so much. I wish I could have thanked you more when I asked for any help- you would do it no questions asked. Mary always has been by your side. Larry enjoyed your stories too.
Dorothy Larry Dawn
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Jo Hensman Alan cared so much. He was helping and volunteering and creating
I have great memories of holidays here and in Canada Thankyou and go well xx and love to all the family Jo
Alan was a dear friend and constant presence in our lives, whether it was discussing performances at ArtSpring and slinging chairs around at Salt Spring Film Festival with me, or heading off on wild trips involving motorcycles, old trucks and trailers with Henry. We will miss his laughter, his amazing generosity, his curiosity about the world, his expertise, and all those enjoyably heated debates about everything under the sun. Much love to Mary and the family.