Alan Swan

1945 - 2023

Alan died on October 2, 2023, at the QEII Hospital (Victoria General Site) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Surrounded by his immediate family and close friends, he departed for his final journey in comfort and peace.

Alan was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, on September 17, 1945. He was pre-deceased by his father William “Bill” Swan, his mother Verona Muir, and stepfather Ross Muir.

Alan is survived by his common-law partner Steve Chan, daughters Heather MacLean and Jennifer Lowther, grandchildren Grayson MacLean and Skyla Lowther, sister Lynne Trerice, brother William “Bill” Swan, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Alan was a loving partner, friend and companion to Steve for decades. Although they had distinct personalities and separate interests, they complimented each other in every way that mattered.

He was a loving father to Heather and Jennifer, who adoringly referred to him as “Daddy”. He was a great listener and was always willing to provide words of wisdom or emotional support, yet encouraged and respected their independence.

Alan, aka “Grampy Alan” loved his two grandchildren, Grayson and Skyla. He enjoyed every moment he spent with them, watching them grow to become beautiful, kind and intelligent children. He liked to take credit for his genetic contributions to their good looks and intelligence.

After graduating from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, with Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees, he accepted a teaching position and ultimately was vice principal at Oxford Regional High School (ORHS). After leaving a lasting imprint on his students and establishing the ORHS drama club, he started his own insurance business which he operated until his retirement. Alan was a man with strong integrity and took great ownership and pride in the work he did for his clients. He was adamant about ensuring his clients were treated fairly, with respect, and he always had their best interests at heart.

Alan was a fabulous chef and host extraordinaire, published author, painter, woodworker, and loved to travel. His favourite city to visit was London, England. He was a free spirit and strived to live his life with “no regrets”. He was an avid reader and loved live theatre and musical performances. His love of music started at a very early age when he would spend all his allowance money on records. He had a varied taste in music with a special ear for unique talent, both popular and non-mainstream. He was a co-founder of the Oxford Maple Players, a local amateur drama club, where he directed many plays at the Oxford Capital Theatre.

He was a generous man, especially with his time. He loved talking to people – from lifetime friends to new acquaintances. With never any expectations of anything in return, his interactions with others, even small ones, often left a lasting impression.

He will forever be remembered for his sharp and often dry sense of humour. He especially got enjoyment out of making clever jokes that puzzled others. Those who didn’t get his jokes thought he was odd. Those who did know him knew there was always a clever hidden meaning and it was left up to his listeners to puzzle it out. Heather and Jennifer are still trying to figure out the purpose of some “exquisite, but what the heck is it” Christmas gifts!

A private ceremony will be held before taking him on his final flight to his resting place in his favourite city, London, England. The family would like to express their sincere gratitude, to the amazing staff at the QEII hematology and ICU units for their professionalism and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the QEII Foundation, https://my.qe2foundation.ca/donations. Memories and photos can be viewed and shared here: https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/M8g1aTqw/alanswan