January 28, 1939 – November 10, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Alan Coles on November 10, 2023. He passed away peacefully at Joseph Creek Care Home, where he resided for the last two years.
Alan was born January 28, 1939, in St Catharines, ON.
The family moved to Winnipeg, MB when Alan was 8 years old. He spent his formative years there and loved his years playing football in High School and College. He went to work for a General Insurance company and was transferred to Vancouver BC in 1967. Alan met his wife Pat in 1968 and were married in 1970. They immediately moved to Cranbrook BC, where they purchased an insurance business from Bud and Maxine Caldwell, who quickly became their Cranbrook family. Alan continued his career at Caldwell-Coles Insurance, and later with East Kootenay Realty and HUB International.
Alan was a very active member of the community. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Rotary International, and the East Kootenay Shrine Club. He was also an enthusiastic drummer with the Cranbrook/Creston Shrine Band. He was also the first recipient of the Rotary Clubs Fickle Finger Award in recognition of his humour and quick wit.
Alan and Pat also found time to ski, play mixed slopitch, with a bit of curling and golf. They also managed to do a lot of travelling, with lots of trips with Ken & Lee Green. They mostly enjoyed life at Jim Smith Lake where they raised their daughters Sarah and Tasha.
During the early 90s, Alan extended his community involvement to include a deep commitment to Cranbrook Minor Softball coaching his daughters rep teams. He will be fondly remembered as “Mr. Coles” to the many girls he coached, as they and their families held a special place in his heart. Alan was a director of Cranbrook Minor Softball, and a long-time director of Softball BC.
Alan was predeceased by his parents Claude and Katie, sister Donna, and brother-in-law Mike. Left to mourn his passing are his beloved wife Pat, daughters Sarah and Tasha (Mike), grandchildren Carsyn, Bond, Colton and Lane, sisters Doreen (Paul) and Diane, and many nieces and nephews.
Alan was very proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved them deeply. His grandchildren were the light of his life in his golden years.
Our extreme gratitude and thanks goes to all the staff at FW Green Home and Joseph Creek Care Home for the excellent care and many kindnesses extended to Alan.
At Alan’s request there will be no formal funeral service.Obituary-