It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Frederick Leonard Wren on March 11, 2022. He passed away in the presence of loved ones at Grace Hospital.

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You can shed tears that he is gone
Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind,

be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

 

Alan was a British immigrant to Canada at the age of 28, having made friends with a visiting Canadian water polo team. He successfully settled in Winnipeg in 1967. He and his wife, Thelma adopted two children, Ian and Gillian. Upon arrival in Canada he worked for Great-West Life. Then went on to Pembina Mountain Clays, then followed by Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.

 

Alan is predeceased by his mother, Ruby and his father, Ronald; as well as his daughter, Gillian and his wife Betty-Ann. Left to cherish his memory his loving son Ian (Kelly), his grandchildren Christian Hayes, Nicholas Normandin, Brayden McPherson, Alana Wren, and his sister Margaret (Patrick) Batten and nephews Andrew and Jon.

 

He was a staunch member of any community he was a part of, always making time to listen, laugh, and lend a hand to anyone who needed it. He enjoyed football (soccer), crossword puzzles, and nature. He played water polo for many years and developed a close and long lasting group of friends through that activity. He also volunteered at many organizations, most notably the Canada Aquatic Hall of Fame. Alan enjoyed creating experiences for his children to broaden their experiences. He always made time for family. In Alan’s later years he spent time mainly with family at cottage getaways.

 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Anyone who wishes may make a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

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Alan's family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos, memories, and stories by making use of the comment section on this page.

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