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Alan Gelvin Obituary
Alan Gene GELVIN May 10, 1954 ~ October 7, 2009 Alan was born in Meadville, PA and moved as a child to Castle Rock, CO. He joined the Air Force as a young man and served in Vietnam. Alan was stationed in Blaine, WA where he met the love of his life, Patrice in 1973. They married in 1974 and moved to Seattle where he worked at Todd Shipyard. He later purchased his father in-law Harry's company Westeel in 1982 with long-time friend Leonard McMillan. Alan loved his family most of all. He enjoyed spending time with his Grandson Spencer. He assisted other veterans in getting benefits. Alan was a 31 year member of the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Team. He enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting, the history channel, and a good joke. Alan passed away on a sunnyday riding his Harley on the Oregon coast. He is preceded in death by his daughter Kenzie. Heis survived by his wife Patrice; daughter Shana (Josh Woodrome); grandson Spencer Alan; three brothers: Dennis (June), Brian (Phyllis), Victor (Linda); sister Cheryl Callahan, and numerous loving relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, October 18, at Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, Seattle from 11am to 2:30pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Disabled American Veterans Fund, 915 2nd Ave, Room 1040, Seattle, WA 98174.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Gelvin
Teresa "T" Vineyard
October 13, 2009
I remember many years of partying between the Seattle Cossacks and the Washington 99ers MC at our annual Labor Day Campouts. Good time were always had by all.
Big Al will be missed by the motorycyling community as a whole.
As a former Washington 99er and a current Rat City Abate member. My family and I send our condolences to the Gelvin family,
With heavy heart,
Teresa "T" Vineyard
Don
October 13, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I didn't know Al but have enjoyed the Cossacks show many times.
Ride on brother!
Jack Raymond
October 13, 2009
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
My sympathy to Al's family and friends and The Seattle Cossacks...
October 13, 2009
Hold on to his memory and let time heal your hearts. Al will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family and to all those who knew Al as a friend.
John and Sheila Rowland
Seattle Hog members
Ronel Jones
October 13, 2009
Over the years of fun and shows that the team has so freely given to the community, Al's infinite smile and loving personality helped me to enjoy my life just that much more. THANKS for all the spirit that was put into being here for us and so many others. Al, our memories of you will continue and enrich my life further. Our deepest sympathy to the Family and the Team. May our memories be of the joys that were placed in our hearts. From the Team at Downtown Harley-Davidson
Randy & Donna Bos
October 13, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
October 13, 2009
As a fellow rider it always saddens me to hear of accicendents such as Al G's my prayers are with you, the family and the Cossacks whom I've watched many times...God bless you all and Al G.
patty r of the Seattle HOG's
Kenneth Board
October 12, 2009
I did not know Al, but had seen him perform with the Seattle Cossacks on several occassions. I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to Al's family and the Seattle Cossacks on behalf of myself and the Silent Servic(Submarine Veterans) Motorcycle Club.
Carol (webmistress) & Rich
October 12, 2009
We are going to miss Al G. greatly and wish to extend love and sympathy to Patrice and the entire family. We also know this has greatly affected the entire Cossack team and we are very sorry.
Cowboy
October 12, 2009
The Northwest Wings Motorcycle Drill Team would like to extend our deepest Sympathy. Birth is a beginning, Death a destination and Life is a journey, we will always remember the Journey. To the Family and Team Members, our prayers and sympathy be with you.
October 12, 2009
Sending our thoughts and prayers to family and friends of Al G. He is soaring with the eagles and resting in loving arms......Cathy and Jim Kakuschke.
Marta Norbeck-Bacon
October 12, 2009
I can't express how sad I am to hear this news from Shana today. My heart aches for Patrice and the entire family. I have fond memories of Alan taking Kenzie and I along to watch the team practice. I remember as a kid always thinking he was so cool. I know my Dad has been keeping her company up there, waiting for the day she'd be with her family again. Now she has her Dad back.
Mike Johnson
October 12, 2009
I didn't know Alan but, I am a firefighter/EMT with the local fire dept. & I was at his accident. Sorry we couldn't do more. I love our great Veterans & so I have great respect for Alan. Veterans are my Heros. So that means Alan & all of the Veterans of the Vietnam War are my heros.
It would help me to deal with the loss of Alan if his wife or brothers would like to talk I would like that very much. I have no way of communicating with the family that is why I am writing this info, I mean no disrespect to Alan. If someone could pass this along to the family, I would be thankful. I don't know Alan but, I am sure he is a great husband, father, grandfather & I know he is a great Veteran! I won't forget Alan even though I wasn't lucky enough to know him.
Richard and Christina Dionnne
October 12, 2009
We are so very sad to hear about Al's passing. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends. Richard & Christina Dionne
October 11, 2009
Al G has been a part of our extended family for over thirty years. He was quick with a joke and always had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed and we will never forget him.
The Wrights
Tiffany Schwarze
October 11, 2009
" we are sad to hear about your loss. He will be truely missed and will
be forever in our hearts.Tiffany & Cody (Renton, Wa.)
Sam Chedester
October 11, 2009
We are sad & miss Al a lot.
He was a mentor to me & a great team leader.
If there is anything we can do for the family, please don't hesitate to ask.
Love.
The Chedester family
October 11, 2009
I am very sorry to hear about this. He was a good friend. May he join the one he missed so much, and may God bless his soul.
Pat McCool
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