Alan Carew Marsden

January 14, 1941 - April 10, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus". Philippians 3:14 NIV
Alan went to be with his Creator peacefully in his sleep, early on Easter Monday in his happy place of 33 years. "Bryn-y-Mor" in Royston, BC.
He went ahead of the love of his life, soulmate, buddy and "my wee girl" Sylvie.
He was a 10-year Pancreatic Cancer survivor. Alan led a full and productive life. Born in Vancouver and raised by his grandmother. He was a graduate of Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, completed an undergraduate degree at UBC and went on to do a law degree in New Zealand. He practiced solo for over 40 years and helped his last client in the "Awake Community" 4 days before his passing.
Alan loved life, was a leader, listened, encouraged, was "an ideas" person, loved surprises and went by a variety of nicknames over the years. "Fox", "Flex" and "Mr. Sir Bumpy", to name a few. He wore shorts from February to November no matter what the weather. He attended Cadet Camp at HMC Quadra as a child, played the drums in a Pipe Band, and was a member of the Canadian Reserves as a Naval Radar Operator.
As a young adult, he was a Youth Leader and was on the staff of Young Life, Vancouver. His much-played guitar was always nearby. A word he often uttered was "tree-mendous". He drove groups of folks to volunteer in a Baja Mexico Orphanage over Christmas/New Year vacation for 14 years.
Evolving from this, along with other businessmen, he established Missions Fest, Vancouver, a Christian Non-profit organization. He served on the board of directors for 21 years, many of which were as the chairman.
At a young age, he discovered he had an artistic ability and he expressed that through Life Drawings and cartooning. Many were personalized cards he made. He was a proud card-carrying student at NIC, working on a Fine Arts Degree until the end of 2022. He and Sylvie loved to travel, and he organized many wonderful adventures.
He will be mightily missed by many.
Heartfelt gratitude goes to Dr. Tyler Falk, Alan's GP, to the Home Care/Palliative Nurses, to his loving friends, and to the Church communities who were so supportive and caring, many Thank Yous.
Alan's Memorial Service is to be on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 1 pm at Courtenay Fellowship Baptist Church, Lake Trail Road, Courtenay.
"Yet I am always with you; You hold me by your right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory."Psalms 73:23-24 NIV