1929 – 2016

On Sunday, June 19, 2016 at Ridgeview Lodge, Kamloops, B.C. Alan Collett turned his trumpet toward the “wide blue yonder…”. Alan’s peaceful death was due to altzheimer’s disease and in the end, cancer. Husband of 64 years to Dolores Collett, dad to Alana (Dan) Scott and Dallas Wanamaker, uncle – Alan, rest in peace!
Alan was born in Vancouver, BC on June 24, 1929. After graduating from Burnaby South high school, he tried his hand at cowboy life at ranches near Merritt, he returned back to Vancouver where he met Dolores in an operetta, married Dolores and had two daughters. In 1956 Alan & Dolores traded their Coquitlam home and city lot for a log house and 160 acres in Forest Grove, BC (near 100 Mile House). They moved Alana (2 years old) and Dallas (3 months old) to Forest Grove where they pioneered the land for the next 15 years. After tilling the clay soil to grow potatoes and vegetables, plowing 6 foot snow piles during the winter, chopping knotty green wood and losing rubber boots in clay soil, they turned in the keys to the next land owner. Part of the next adventure was to set up a home for the next 34 years, in Westwold, BC. The final move was to Kamloops (8 years) and finally, settled in Ridgeview Lodge (3 years).
Alan’s work life included logging/sawmill & school bus driving in Forest Grove, school bus driving with Kamloops School District (from Westwold to Kamloops).
Alan’s hobbies were many. Alan started in Vancouver with trumpet (also trombone and coronet) as a soloist, the Kitsilano Boys Band, various regimental bands during World War II, Vernon military training grounds, Vancouver Junior Symphony, and in the Kamloops Rube Band (40 years). Alan filled his spare time with golfing, sailing, beekeeping.
There is to be no service held at Alan’s request. The family will be honouring his wishes. Special thanks and great appreciation to the caring staff at Ridgeview Lodge and Dr. Wynn.
In Alan’s words…”if there is something to be done, there is a way to do it. So don’t give up!”

Condolences can be expressed at www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2016-06-19
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.