Alan Franklin

Alan Franklin was born in Manchester, England on September 6, 1930. He was the youngest of three brothers (Peter and Geoff). Following school and, with an avid interest in aviation, Alan chose to do his mandatory national service in the British Royal Airforces. It was during this time and while stationed near Hull that he met Joyce and fell instantly in love. They married in 1952 when Alan was 22 and Joyce 21. Their son Richard was born in 1956 and they emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1957 in search of a better life. Alan found work as an office machine mechanic and salesman. They welcomed a second son, Ian, in 1959. The family later moved to Vancouver, Winnipeg and Regina before finally settling in Victoria in 1967. Alan and Joyce bought a store fixtures business which they ran together until their retirement. He was an accomplished self-taught artist, gardener and wooden toy maker. He is survived by Joyce - his loving wife of 74 years, sons Richard (Carmel) and Ian (Deanna), grandchildren Michael, Sean, James, Joel (deceased), Jonathan, Jessie, Sophia, Emma, and by great grandchildren Dirk, Andrew and Jamie. Alan was a loyal, kind, gentle man. He was a loving father, husband and grandfather. He was all the good things and will be deeply missed.