Obituary of Alan Kenneth Brown

October 11, 1936 – Broadview, Saskatchewan

October 16, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta

Alan Kenneth Brown of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023, at the age of 87 years.

Alan was born in the Broadview, SK on October 11, 1936, and grew up on the Brown family farm. When not farming, Alan excelled at many sports, especially, hockey, baseball, football and pole vault in track and field competitions across SK.

At the tender age of 14, he was set up on a blind date with a girl, Joyce Clarkson, from the neighbouring town of Whitewood. She quickly became his rock and love of his life. He graduated from the Broadview School and went on to complete an Electrician Program in Winnipeg, MB. He worked for the railway, and an electrician before having a lifelong career with Dictaphone.

He moved to Calgary in 1971 when he was transferred to be the Calgary Branch Manager of Dictaphone. He had a brief change in careers when, he became a partner of Gypsum Drywall. With the bust of the 80s looming, Al went back to Dictaphone, where he was welcomed back and promoted to District Manager. Alan was a natural leader and salesperson, with his honest, down to earth, and strong work ethic. His success as a salesperson resulted in him achieving the yearly Achievement Club for top branches where he and his wife were treated to first class trips in many different countries. He worked until the company offered him the opportunity to have the rights to Dictaphone products in Alberta and thus Dictation Products came to be. Al loved being his own boss and had a very successful career until he sold the company to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. During retirement, Al enjoyed many years wintering in Yuma, AZ with Joyce, and old friends. As well, his friendly nature led to quickly making many more lifelong friends from the park.

Alan also enjoyed camping and traveling which included cruises, trips to see his kids and trips abroad. Family gatherings were important to Al. In recent years, family trips to Mexico and Myrtle Beach will leave us with lasting memories.

His family will fondly remember him for his kindness and resourcefulness.  He took pride in fixing, building, and reengineering, coined “Al-genering” by family.  He was our rock. We could always count on Dad for advice and support. He will be greatly missed.

Alan leaves behind his wife, 3 children and 2 grandchildren. He was married to his beloved wife Joyce for 65 years. His son Rick resides in Salisbury, NC with his wife Donna. His daughter, Jodi Bramfield, her husband Bill, and their son Rhett of Rimbey, AB. His daughter, Nonie Warin, her husband Dave and their son Brody of Calgary, AB. Alan is also survived by his sister, Lyn Fitzgerald (Terry). As well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.

Alan was predeceased by his parents Charles (Chas) and Henrietta (Dolly) Brown, his brother & closest friend Raymond (Ray), and Ray’s wife Alice, and his sister Lorraine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Alan’s family here.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion at 9202 Horton Road SW Calgary on Thursday, October 26, 2023.  The family will start the celebration by honor Alan at 1:00 pm, followed by a time for remembering Alan until 5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Prostate Cancer Centre, 7007 14 St SW Suite 6500, Calgary, AB T2V 1P9 Telephone: (403) 943-8888, www.prostatecancercentre.ca, The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca, or Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca.

In living memory of Alan, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.