Dear David, Michael and Family, It was with sadness that I read Alan's obituary in this morning's paper. My last memories of your father come from his time at Shannex. My mother entered Shannex in 2016 and one of the first people to greet her was Alan. I often visited mom at Shannex and, invariably, we encountered Alan in the dining room. He always made the effort to come over to say hello. He always called my mother Mrs. Skillen. She liked that. My first memory of your dad dates back to 1978, when I was a summer student working at the Sport Branch and he had just joined the department. I next encountered Alan in the early 1980s when I was a volunteer with Volleyball New Brunswick and, for several years, looked to your father for help with our various administrative needs. I then had the good fortune of joining the Sport Branch in 1984 and Alan became my colleague for six years as we shared many experiences including three Canada Games. I will always remember your dad from our last Games together in 1989. On the day that we were to head home from Saskatoon, I heard a knock on my hotel room door and it was Alan at the door with news that my father had died the evening before back in New Brunswick. I can remember his warm embrace and the concern and care he showed for me in that moment. Your father was a fine human being who touched many lives and contributed to the sporting world in New Brunswick and beyond. He was also a proud father and grandfather. He often spoke to me, mom and Gisele about you and your families. I know you will miss him. So will we. Please accept my sympathies and those of my wife, Gisele. Bob
