August 14, 1949 - May 1, 2025
DOLAN, (John) Alan, born on August 14, 1949, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, died May 1, 2025 in Victoria after a month's illness. Alan is predeceased by parents Muriel Frances (McKenzie) Dolan and John (Jack) Franklin Dolan. He is survived by wife Susan Clarke, daughter Stacey Eden Clarke-Dolan (Joel Pennington), son Adrian Gordon Clarke-Dolan (Shanti Bremer), grandchildren Austen and Caelen Pennington, Arlea and Josefine Dolan, and brothers Douglas and Robert (Bob) Dolan.
Alan loved his childhood, from summers on Lake Winnipeg to playing in a rock band during high school. He was loved by classmates for his sense of humour and generous nature.
While studying biology at McGill University, Waterloo and Queens, Alan explored ecological and social justice issues that would form the backbone of his professional and activist life.
At Queens, he met his lifetime partner Susan Clarke and together they began a journey out of the fish lab to a log cabin on the shore of Lake Opinicon. While exploring the ecology of many lakes, Alan became involved in community building, appropriate technology and organic agriculture.
Alan and Susan married in 1980, beginning two decades of a rich family life with a vibrant community of fellow homeschoolers. Alan continued to share his skills with Stacey and Adrian as they developed their own careers.
In 1990, Alan moved with his family from Tamworth, Ontario to Vancouver Island, where he worked in communications for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs before forming Alan Dolan & Associates 1992. Alan's consulting firm provided community engagement, communications and facilitation to government, First Nations and NGOs. Alan also took his vision of inclusive, meaningful participation into his volunteer work.
Soon after moving to Sooke in 2016, Alan joined Transition Sooke, where he felt at home with his principles and commitment for social justice and ecological sustainability.
His cherished Larrivée guitar was his constant go-to for solitude as well as large sing-alongs. Alan's four grandchildren will fondly remember their singing Grandad.
A celebration of Alan's life will take place on August 15, 2025. Learn more about the event and RSVP at www.alandolan.memorial