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HYLAN, Alexander McCabe It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alexander McCabe Hylan, a loving husband, father and brother. Dad passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Saturday, October 13th, 2012. Alex will be sorely missed by his cherished wife of 61 years, Lillias (Hunter Branks Eagleson). He was a loving and devoted father to daughter, Margaret (Michael) of Mill Bay and son, Craig (Denice) of Victoria, a proud grampa to Scott (Suzanne), Bryan (Jennifer), David, Jessica and Mathew and a devoted great-grampa to Rowen, Jack and Stella. Alex is survived by his brothers, William, Walter, Ronald and Edward and his sister, Marion. Alex was born in Clydebank, Scotland and immigrated to Montreal in 1951 where he worked as a chief hull draughtsman at Canadian Vickers for nineteen years before moving to Victoria and becoming Vice-President of Marine Design Associates, Ltd. A passionate sportsman and leader, Alex's love of sport at all levels spanned a period of well over fifty years. A Clydesdale Harrier in Clydebank in his youth, he subsequently became a lifeguard and swimming instructor with the East End Boys' and Girls' Club in Montreal. He also coached and organized minor hockey in Chomedey, Laval, Quebec. A keen devotee of "the beautiful game," Alex's team leadership skills and determination were recognized in his being elected Secretary to the Quebec Minor Soccer Association, Director of the Canadian Soccer Association, Director of the BC Soccer Association, Director of the Vancouver Island Soccer Association, Director of the Oak Bay Soccer Association and Treasurer of the Lower Island Youth Soccer Association. Alex was the Chair of local organizing committees for preliminary matches hosted in Victoria BC leading up to the 1984 XX111rd Olympiad/ Los Angeles USA and the 1986 FIFA World Cup of Soccer in Mexico. Alex was appointed the CSA's Head of Delegation for the Canadian National Men's Soccer Team at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Alex was bestowed with Life Membership in the Canadian Soccer Association in 1989 and Life Membership in the BC Soccer Association. He has contributed to all levels of Canadian soccer with a positive impact at the community, national, international and professional levels. Of all his accomplishments, Alex's greatest source of pride was his family to whom he was a tremendous role model. Alex enjoyed life and lived it with vivacity and enthusiasm. His warm and caring personality put everyone at ease and he treated others with the utmost respect. To celebrate Alex's life, his family will receive friends at Alex and Lily's home on Friday, October 26th between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Alex's name be made to the Victoria Hospice at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Scott Flynn .
16 Entries
Dear Lily and family, it is hard to believe that a year has already gone since Alex's passing. You are all in my heart and thoughts as you forge on as best you can. I ran for Alex on Sunday and it was a grand day. I heard his voice encouraging me along as it always will. Take very good care. My sincere best wishes always, with much love xo
Sharon Bearpark
October 15, 2013
Maggie. I never realised how involved you Dad has been with socer. although being a stalwart scottish fella I should have known. You must be so proud of his accomplishments. I will never again watch a match of " the beautiful game" without thinking of him. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. Give my love to your Mom
Love Bunny
bunny watson
October 28, 2012
Maggie's dad, Alex, was one of the dad's in our group of “the girls” dads, that we had the rare chance of meeting on more than a couple of occasions (over the span of 35+ years of our friendships). He & Lily hosted us with genuine simple hospitality ~ you could tell how quietly proud they both were of “Margaret”. In Mr. Hylan's Xmas note to me and my family last Dec, his sense of humour came thru “loud & clear” – despite the challenges that Lily was encountering, he wrote “she is still well enough to boss me around!” A couple of Xmas's ago, his note referred to Scott's wedding (which sadly, he & Lily were unable to travel to)…he said he sent some words to Scott's new in-laws…he said ‘had I known it was going to be read out at the wedding, I would've embellished it with some memories of Scott as a boy, Margaret is probably glad I didn't do that!' He loved having fun and teasing people! I'll remember that about Mr Hylan…he loved to laugh.
Evi Rasberry
October 27, 2012
Lily and family
Like many others in Victoria, I met Alec through his involvement in the soccer community. I enjoyed his honest, straightforward approach to issues we needed to tackle, but mostly I'll miss his tremendous sense of humour that was present in all situations. He was a great gentleman and will be missed by all of us who were lucky enough to cross paths with him. My sympathy to your family.
Scott Taylor.
October 27, 2012
Grampy, I have learned more about you as a person and your lifetime achievements in the last week than anytime before that. It's not that we never talked about them, we just never touched base on all of them or went into too much detail. You're energy and way of life is one to admired. No matter where you and Grandma lived, you were always giving back to the community which is something everyone of us should do. You will be truly missed by me and my family. Thank you for the values and lessons I learned from you, not by your direction but by watching how you lived your life every single day. As my brother mentioned, the phone calls to Ontario to catch up were always eagerly awaited, and later on in our lives the many visits and dinners in person after we moved to the island were always entertaining. I have to tell you though, I never really cared for taking the "scenic" route from the airport or to downtown via Beach drive, but I did enjoy the company and your tour notes. I will also remember with great value, the time we spent at Sealand and the numerous walks from Willows to the Marina to see the whales and seals. Thank you for the wonderful life you shared with us, I will miss you.
Bryan Flynn
October 26, 2012
I wish that my family and I could be there today to reflect on what a tremendous impact Grampy Hylan has had on all of our lives.
There are many relationships I have built and will build during my lifetime although very few will have the impact on my life as the one I treasure and remember building with Grampy. Lots of lessons can be shared between grandfathers and grandsons and I am very honored to have had the opportunity to learn from Alexander McCabe Hylan. It's indisputable that Grampy lived a proud, energetic and family focused life.
I learned a lot from my grampy. How to live proud, loyal, work hard and focus on the end result while making sure to laugh and enjoy yourself and those around you.
It IS great being your grandson grampy. Our highly anticipated and enjoyed phone calls helped keep me focused on life and family. Ill miss our conversations but will forever be grateful for the time we were able to spend together on the island as part of my youth, during many of your visits to the east coast and most recently as I was able to introduce you and Gramma to Suzi and Stella.
From family life, soccer and career. Everyone here knows the numerous accomplishments that Grampy has enjoyed. Today is a day to reflect on the impact that he has had on our lives and be thankful without a doubt. There is no reason for these accomplishments and beliefs to end with his passing. His values and lessons will enjoy eternal life as his family/friends continue to live life with the enthusiasm and honor that we all experienced from knowing my Grampy, Alexander McCabe Hylan.
One last lesson I 'enjoyed' learning from my grampy was an appreciation for scotch. Whether your holding a single malt, blend, ale, sherry or pop. Please join me in toasting a great son, brother, husband, father (in law) grandfather and friend.
Thank you for everything Grampy.
Love Scott, Suzi and Stella.
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Scott, Suzi & Stella Flynn
October 25, 2012
Dad it's so cool reading these lovely notes from near and far
Love you.
Margaret.
October 25, 2012
Dear Lily and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss and very sad to learn of Alex's passing. His warm and caring personality radiated from him and I admired and respected him a great deal. He was a man who knew who he was, had his feet planted firmly on solid ground and, with that knowledge, went through life with an easy grace.
My thoughts are with you all.
Margaret (Megs) Murray
October 24, 2012
Dear Lily, Margret and Craig and our extended family. We are deeply saddened by Alex passing. Our memories of Him will be treasured, and the little time we had with Him will be cherished. The love for his family and especially you Lily was clearly evident and heartfelt.
I was seven when he left Scotland and it was thirty years before I met him in person again, yet the substance of the man was such, that it felt those years did not exist, and I had known him all my life.
His determination, warmth, empathy and optimistic view of life made him stand out above others, and I was proud that he was my “big” brother. (A term he was not used too, but rather liked).
The memories of Alex's' personality and his achievements will be his legacy. He meant so much too so many, from the corridors of power in FIFA and The Olympics to the patients he conveyed in the Hospital s' courtesy car.
Rest in peace Alex for a life well lived and used. Judith and Eddie.
October 24, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Alec from when I was little and he worked with my dad. He was always so friendly and nice. He will certainly be missed.
Lindsey Smart
October 23, 2012
Dear Lily and family, we are deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time. Alex was a very caring and noble man and will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered always. from Sharon's sister & family
Tonia & Jim, Justin & Jamie Christie
October 23, 2012
Dear Lily and family:
I am so very saddened for the loss of your dear Alex. I always enjoyed his humour and zest for life during my visits. I developed much respect and admiration for Alex and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to each of you at this time. Alex was a great man and will truly be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
Janis Cookson
Janis Cookson
October 23, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss Aunt Lily; and my sincere sympathy to you, Margaret & Craig, your partners & children. Losing someone you love so very much is, in my view, almost impossible to get your head around. I'm lousy at it, but have always found some grim comfort in the Queen's sentiments, that grief is the price we pay for love. It is, & it hurts so much it's just terrible........ In addition to having the lovely experience of meeting my Uncle Alex & Aunt Lily when they visited Australia, I exchanged a number of emails over the years with my uncle, which was a real treat for me. I was flattered that he found the time to talk with me. He was such a warm, thoughtful & intelligent man, with that unmistakeable, so-dry-it's-desiccated, Hylan sense of humour. Beautiful. I send you all my love, and know that you will take good care of each other. xoxoxo
Michelle Hylan
October 22, 2012
"Those we love remain with us for love itself lives on,
and cherished memories never fade just because a loved one's gone.
Those we love can never be more than a thought apart,
For as long as there is memory, they'll live on in the heart."
Fondest love and wishes to all our family at this time. My memories of Uncle Alex, are flooded with the vision of his beaming smile and infectious laughter. I was priviledged enough to have my Uncle Alex and Lily at my wedding during one of their few visits to Australia and I am so happy I got to share this apecial moment in my life with them.
Fondest love to all, Andrea Hill (ne' Hylan), Andrew, Aaron and Jaycob.
Andrea Hill
October 21, 2012
Loving thoughts across the great divide of earth. Even though I only met Uncle Alec once (I knew him as uncle Alec as that's what Nanna would call him). But like all the Hylan's his laughter made him instantly likeable! Much love to all my family whom I wish to meet one day. Lisa Hylan, daughter of Edward and Judith Hylan. xx
Lisa Hylan
October 21, 2012
Dear Lily, Margaret/Mike, Craig/Denice and family, a very big light has gone out in all of our lives and my sincere sympathy is extended to each of you at this tender time. I will forever treasure my many memories of Alex as one of the greatest men and friends I shall ever know. I know he fought to stay as long as he could. He loved all of you and his wonderful life and adopted Country. It would be Alex's wish that we continue to live our lives with as much exuberance as he did. With heartfelt gratitude to Alex and all of you for showing us that kindness can be shared across a lifetime. With love always, Sharon xo
Sharon Bearpark
October 21, 2012
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