Alan Francis Dikes

Alan Francis Dikes has gone home to be with God. Holding his wife’s hand and with his family at his side, he passed away on Dec. 5, 2014 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Systems Atrophy. He leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Elli; daughters, Kristin Atkins (husband Kellen), Kelly Koopman (husband Dennis), Dynell Timbers; son, David Dikes (wife Mary); sisters Valli Davis (husband Greg), Cherie Hill, and Debbie Gogulski; grandson, Keirnan Atkins, granddaughter, Caitlin Durbin, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Cil Dikes.

Alan was born in Oakland, California on Aug. 27, 1952. He graduated from Ventura High School in 1970, married his wife, Elli in 1978. They made their home in Ventura where they raised their beautiful family that is cherished and loved by so many.

Alan lived a full life as a business owner of a very successful local Chevron service station in Ventura. In addition he was a docent at the Reagan library including special training to give VIP tours of the private quarters, graduated from the Westlake Culinary Institute and the Academy of Culinary Education, owned and trained horses, attended Dodger Adult Fantasy baseball camp, and participated in the 133rd reenactment at Gettysburg as an avid history buff. Alan also was an official for AYSO and high school soccer in Ventura County, was an assistant men’s basketball coach at Ventura Jr. College, and was a longtime member of Padre Serra Church where he was involved in several ministries..

Some of his greatest joys have been co-hosting with his wife, Elli, gourmet dinner parties and open houses where he has delighted his many guests with his culinary talents. His generosity and desire to please and give to others knew no end. Alan had a huge love for travel and completely arranged the details of several special trips including a special birthday golf trip to Scotland for his Father-in-law, a baseball trip around the country to various stadiums with his nephew, a WWII remembrance trip with relatives and friends, family trips to Orlando, Italy, Paris and London, San Antonio, New Orleans, Seattle, San Francisco, Hawaii, golfing trips and many more.

Above all he has accomplished, was the love for his wife and family. He was most proud of his children, planning his daughters weddings, being a Grandpa, and one of his greatest gifts and talents was planning elaborate surprises and celebrations for those he loved.

Alan fought a battle through cancer and through MSA and gave us all additional days, months, years because of his courage…and willingness to keep living. He is loved by many and has inspired family and friends each and every moment of his life, especially these past few years. Alan will be greatly missed, but will hold a special place in all our hearts.

Special thanks to all the caregivers, Sisters Servants of Mary, Visiting Angels, and all who contributed to Alan’s care and comfort. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ted Mayr Funeral Home and include a Vigil Service on Friday, December 12 at Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura with visitation at 6:00 pm and service at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at Padre Serra Church in Camarillo on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be given to the American Cancer Society.