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April 14, 1926 - December 11, 2021
There's a tiny valley that's close to the sky,
Where a cedar cabin snug doth lie,
A tiny stream in a meadow of jade,
Sweet scented cedars softly in shade.
There's a jutting rock and a weathered snag,
An eagle's nest and an antlered stag,
A curl of blue from an old tin stack; In camp again, beloved shack.
Alan Ramsden - 1946
Alan Ramsden died at home with family present on Dec. 11 at the age of 95.
He was born in Nelson, April 14, 1926 to Wilhelm and Rose (née O'Malley) Ramsden, whose families both came to Nelson in the early 1900s. He grew up in Nelson and attended Central, Trafalgar, and Nelson high schools. His father died when he was 10, leaving him to help raise his younger brother Bill and sister Rose.
Alan was an outdoor adventurer and there are many tales of hiking, fishing and antics with his siblings. Devoted to Nelson and the Kootenays, Alan gave his time to many organizations, including the Boy Scouts, Arts Council, Kootenay School of The Arts, Recreation Commission, Chamber of Commerce, and Civil Defence. Although his greatest community legacy is helping establish the Nelson Museum, serving as a founding member since 1955. His volunteer work earned him Citizen of the Year in 2002.
Alan married Evelyn Houde in 1949 and together they had 5 children. Alan was predeceased by his wife Evelyn in 2013, and his youngest daughter Cheryl in 2008. Survivors include his brother Bill (Rowena), and children Martin (Bettyanne), Eric (Miriam), Janice Stewart (George), and Douglas (Delphine), grandchildren Cadhla, Meaghan, Adam and Zac, plus one great grandchild Charlotte, in addition to many nieces and nephews.
Alan's greatest joy in life was his family. He was very proud of them and their accomplishments. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends and was always ready for great storytelling. He will be deeply missed and, in our hearts, forever. He was a father, inventor, radio voice, photographer, historian, bird lover and a dear friend to many.
We would all like to thank Eric and Miriam for their devotion to helping Dad in his greatest time of need. We are grateful for their support and kindness. The outpouring of love and support has been tremendous. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the many kind doctors, nurses, physio therapists, pharmacists, home healthcare attendants, friends, and neighbours who helped Alan through his illness.
A celebration of Alan's life will be held in the Spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, BC Children's Hospital, or Touchstones Museum.
For all those who wish to leave a message of condolence for Alan's family, please visit www.thompsonfs.ca/obituary/alan-ramsden/
Thompson Funeral Service


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