Alan Jan Dick

With heavy hearts we share that Alan Jan Dick – beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend – died on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the age of 58, in his suite at True Davidson Acres Long-term Care Home in Toronto, from complications of underlying progressive health problems combined with an acute respiratory infection.

Alan was born in Toronto on December 2, 1965 to Harriet (Amstutz) and Nicholas Dick, joining big brothers Nathan and Paul to complete their family of five. When just four months old, Alan was diagnosed with Communicating Hydrocephalus, a condition that causes physical and neurological difficulties because of cerebrospinal fluid accumulation in the brain. Alan would require several surgeries throughout his life, including eight before he finished high school, but for all the ongoing medical care and childhood time in hospital, Alan refused to be defined by his health challenges. Instead, he made meaning of them.

In 1993, Alan met Lori Klassen at Toronto United Mennonite Church. Lori agreed to a first date because he told her he was going to entertain as a clown character named Frazzle at a children’s birthday party later, and she marvelled at the dichotomy of a man who owned both a biker jacket and rainbow wig. The pair were married in 1995 and remained partners, confidantes, and closest friends for the 29 rich and imperfect, beautiful and loving years that followed.

Although academics did not come easily, Alan threw himself into his studies, completing a Social Service Worker Diploma from Humber College, then a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western University, followed by a Masters of Social Work from the University of Toronto – which he completed part-time while working full-time, a testament to his enthusiasm and tenacity. His motto was: Find a way or make one.

Alan was a role model to many – especially his nieces with whom he had a special closeness - for his hard work, determination, passion for life, and professional commitment to the care of others.

As a social worker, a gifted counselor and a natural-born talker, he guided the despairing off the Bloor Viaduct, assisted families in navigating hospital systems, and helped patients manage medical trauma, something he understood. As an invited National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA) companion, he went to New Jersey to support affected families following the attacks of 9/11. As the psychosocial health team supervisor for Emergency Medical Assistance Team (EMAT), Alan lived his calling in crisis response, disaster health, and trauma mitigation, and learned from the communities he visited. With EMAT, Alan was moved by the people he met in Attawapiskat and Kashechewan and this deepened his personal advocacy for Indigenous rights.

His lifelong love of the outdoors included some epic adventures: a canoe trip down the swift and turbulent Athabasca River with his brothers, niece Esther, and friends; a wilderness survival experience; and many camping trips with his wife Lori. Alan was always delighted visiting Paul and Tina’s small sheep breeding farm and pitching in wherever he could. His love of dogs was evident in his affection for and companionship with Lulu and Baja.

In these last years of declining health, Alan adapted. His family is grateful to all who cared for Alan at True Davidson Acres. He settled into his new home. He enjoyed his time with Lori; his visits with family (always lighting up to see his nieces) and friends and the occasional dogs; and his view of the ravine he had so often biked through to work. And he made art – repeated motifs of trees, howling wolves, suns, and the moon, totems of his kinship with the natural world.

Alan is survived by his wife Lori Klassen, mother Harriet Dick, brothers Nathan (Peggy Souder) and Paul (Tina Harrington) as well as his nieces Hannah (Thomas), Sarah (Ben), Esther (Kelly), and Eleanor, and is predeceased by his father Nicholas Dick and dearest canine friends Lulu and Baja who will most certainly be happy to see him again.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Mennonite Disaster Service in Alan’s honour would be meaningful.

A celebration of life will be held on March 22, 2025 at 1 PM at Toronto United Mennonite Church.