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December 31, 1945 - January 23, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan John Arthur McGill on January 23rd, 2019 in Nanaimo, BC. Alan is predeceased by his father, Alan F. McGill, his mother, Peggy McGill, and first wife, Mary Margetis. He is survived by his wife Debbie, children Katherine (Jeffery) and Anthony, and stepchildren Kelly (George), Stacey (Chris), and Chris (Michelle). He also leaves behind his brother Ken, sisters Ruth and Margaret, nephew Cameron, niece Jamie, as well as many other special family members and life long friends. Lastly, he is survived by his treasured grandson Henry Alan McGill-Loucks.

Alan was one of the fortunate people that found a career which he truly loved. He was born and raised in Victoria, BC and completed a degree from UVic in Political Science and History. Then, like many of us, he ventured forth into the world without much clue as to what he was going to do with his life. Alan spent a few years in the workforce trying his hand at construction and surveying. He completed his second degree in Civil Engineering at UBC. It was also around this time that he married his first wife Mary Margetis and they settled in Port Alberni, BC. Alan established McGill and Associates Engineering Ltd., which he managed until his retirement. The business was continued thereafter by long time employees Brad West and Mike Lange. Alan always appreciated the hard work and loyalty of his staff members. Over the years, Alan completed many projects with the Regional District, City of Port Alberni, First Nations groups, and various private clients. He valued these relationships greatly and, as the years passed, many colleagues became friends. Alan was community spirited in a quiet way. Many high school students were welcomed into the office for work experience, which either inspired them towards engineering or sent them fleeing in the opposite direction. Community groups were given generous donations anonymously.

Alan and Mary started their family with the births of Katherine and Anthony. Alan lost Mary to cancer in 1994 and later married Debbie, who brought her children Kelly, Stacey, and stepson Chris with her into the family. Alan and Debbie somehow managed see their bunch of kids through adolescence, and (much to Alan's relief) into fulfilling and self-supporting careers. Alan's greatest joy was his family, enjoying many travels and adventures along the way. Alan was a quiet, soft-spoken man who could command a room. He was kind, quirky, and never quick to judge. His fascination with landfills, airports, roads, bridges and sewer systems would often result in him boring his family to tears during dinner time. Alan's last three years of life were made difficult due to kidney failure and mobility challenges. His perseverance and resilience shone their greatest during this time, and he was able to spend quality time with family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

No service or flowers by request. Stories and condolences can be offered to the family at http://bit.ly/alanmcgill If friends would prefer to send a note by mail, the address is:

2821 16th Ave, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 7P5. If you would like to honour Alan, please raise a glass and remember what a wonderful person he was.



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