Alan was born in Liverpool England in 1948 and moved with his parents to Victoria, BC at the age of six. As a young child, Alan’s deep love for and connection with nature found expression through exploring the tide pools and coastline of Beacon Hill Park and fishing with his father.
At thirteen Alan began his life-long love of cycling and competitive bike racing. After graduating from Mt. Doug High, he studied Anthropology and Creative Writing at UVic and had multiple poems from that period published. In 1974 Alan began his studies at the Victoria College of Art, exploring drawing, painting, and sculpture, eventually earning the honour of becoming the first Associate of the College. He continued his enduring relationship with the College, teaching and becoming Head of Evening Classes. In 1976, Alan married his beloved wife, Joanie, beginning a long, loving partnership and soon after starting a family with the arrival of Michael and David. While doing all this, Alan also worked as a bicycle mechanic, first at Gordon’s Sporting Goods and then at Russ Hays. In 1981 Alan went back to UVic to earn his professional teaching certificate, and upon completion was immediately hired by St. Michael’s University School as Head of the Art department.
In the early nineties, Alan created a high school competitive cycling league, inspiring many local young riders many of whom continue riding to this day, and some of whom went on to become National and World competitors and champions. Alan also continued his own love of competitive cycling, both road and mountain. Alan, David, and Michael spent many happy, adventurous summers racing throughout the province and western states. He was his sons’ steadfast mentor, coach, and mechanic as they went on to achieve success on their own paths in cycling and life.
Retiring from SMUS in 2008, Alan continued to paint and remained immersed in the world of cycling, later joining Oak Bay Bikes as a part-time bike mechanic. Throughout his life, Alan and Joanie manifested their committed partnership and love through their gardens, home and dedication to family.
In January 2019, Alan was diagnosed with stage four Ampullary cancer, a rare form of pancreatic cancer. For over two-and-a-half years, Alan faced this cancer the way he lived his life: with grace, great perseverance, grit, courage, spiritual practice, and an enduring ability to perceive beauty and experience joy. He passed away peacefully in Hospice, in the early morning of August 25, 2021, surrounded by Michael, David and Joanie: Team Jones.
Memorial Service will be held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallgardens.com
Due to COVID guidelines and that some attendees are at high-risk for COVID, all who attend Alan’s memorial are asked to be vaccinated before attending, and remain masked and adhere to social distancing requirements.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alan Arthur Jones 1948 2021..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique