Alan Dever

In Loving Memory of Alan Dever
 
It is with great sadness that we share that Alan Dever has passed away. After a difficult, year-long illness, Alan passed on October 18, 2022, at home and surrounded by his loving family.
 
Alan was an historian, a journalist, a storyteller, and a golfing gourmand.  He was a much-loved father, grand-father, brother, uncle, and a friend to many.   His beaming smile, generous laugh, endless thirst for knowledge, and enthusiasm for healthy debate will forever be remembered by all who knew him.
 
Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1951 to the late Marjory and the late John Dever, Alan and his twin sister Susan, and younger brothers Donald and Geoff, grew up on Mayfield Street in Chomedey.  In his youth, Alan discovered passions for reading, history, stamp collecting, and golf – passions which he carried through his whole life.
 
Alan received his Masters in History from Sir George Williams University, and subsequently began what would be a 22-year-long career at CBC Montreal, starting out as a researcher, then as a television reporter and assignment editor.  He went on to work on The National in Toronto, before heading to the West Coast to manage the network news bureau in British Columbia.  In 1999, he left the CBC to accept a communications and community relations position with BC Rail. He held a similar role as Vice-President, Government and Community Relations, with Vancouver’s Canada Line Rapid Transit project, from 2005-2009. In more recent years, he operated his own creative and editorial service from his home base in Port Moody, BC while also enjoying many days on the golf course with long-time friends at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club.
 
In the face of a debilitating illness, Alan never lost his zest for life. His practical outlook, his sense of humour and his ability to make us laugh are memories that will endure.  In looking for the wins in each day, he inspired those around him to do the same, even when faced with the greatest of challenges. 
 
Alan is survived by his daughter Andrea (Isaac Kinakin), grand-daughter Ada, sister Susan (Phil Bryan), brothers Donald and Geoff (Rowena Tano), nieces Fiona and Sara, and nephews Michael (Victoria Savoy), Scott, and Rory, along with many cousins.
 
Andrea, Isaac, and Ada are thankful to have been able to share so much with Alan: they spent almost every day of his last year by his side. The family is grateful for the kind and attentive care provided by Alan’s caregivers, home care workers and nurses.  If you wish to honour Alan’s legacy, please consider a donation in his memory to BC Cancer Agency.