Alan Harbinson, aged 67. Died peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday February 2, 2018.

Loving husband of Veronica. Cherished father of Shauna (Sean) and Victoria (Mathew). Beloved Grandad of Abigail, Violet, Charlotte, Connor and Alice. Brother to Susan (Maurice) and Uncle to Daniel, Louise (David) and Mairaid.

Dear cousin to Pat, the late Colin and their children Ian, Helen, Stuart and Michael and families.

Dear friend to Donald, Alice and family, Maureen & the late Peter and family, Fred & Pam and family, Syliva & Dave, Bobby & Dee and all those who hold a special place in our hearts as extended family.

Born on April 24, 1950 in Birkenhead, England to Megan & Gordon Harbinson. Alan was the younger brother to his sister, Sue. He always said “me and my sister know everything, what I don’t know, she knows and what she doesn’t know, I know!”.

Following Alan’s graduation from Woodchurch High School, he apprenticed as a millwright with Tony Lacey, who became a wonderful mentor and friend along with Tony’s wife Vera. Alan served as an engineer in the merchant Navy in the early 1970’s.

Alan and Veronica met in 1968 and they were married in July 1973. They immigrated to Canada in 1974 and spent 5 years in Brampton. They went back to England in 1979 and then returned to Canada in 1982 with their daughters, Shauna & Victoria, where they built a life together based on love and laughter. Together Alan and Veronica turned a house into a home and instilled values such as integrity, importance of family and empathy in their daughters’ upbringing which have supported Shauna and Victoria in all of their endeavours.

Alan had a great affinity with nature. He never met an animal he didn’t love or want to feed. He loved all animals and would often sit outside in the early mornings snapping pictures of cardinals, finches and all the other birds that would visit his garden.

Alan retired in May 2011. In his retirement, Alan took great pleasure in organizing once-in-a-lifetime vacations with Veronica. These included memorable trips to the Redwoods of California, Bahamas, British Columbia, Alaska, Australia and New Zealand.

Alan was diagnosed with cancer in April 2017. He will be remembered for his bravery, his incredibly positive attitude and witty sense of humour which carried his family through his treatment. He is loved unconditionally and will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation or the Canadian Cancer Society.