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BORN

1930

DIED

2020

Alan REYNOLDS Obituary

REYNOLDS, Alan April 15, 1930 - November 14, 2020 Rev. Dr. Alan Reynolds passed away at the age of 90 at Richmond Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda; his daughter, Diana; sons, Peter, Patrick and James; daughters-in-law, Julie, Valerie, and Kelly; eight grandchildren, Courtney, Jillian, Cameron, Thomas, Elizabeth, Lucia, Livia, and Nina; nieces, Joyce, Joan, and Margaret Ann, and nephews, David, Bruce, Sandy, and Doug and their families. The youngest of three sons, Alan was predeceased by his parents, Rev. A. J. and Phoebe Reynolds and his brothers, Alfred and Burton. Born in Summerside, P.E.I., Alan had many happy memories of growing up in the Maritimes. After completing a Bachelor of Economics and a brief career in banking, Alan pivoted when he felt called to spiritual leadership, working tirelessly to obtain a Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Systematic Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from esteemed universities in Nova Scotia, New York City, and San Francisco. He was ordained a minister in the United Church of Canada and devotedly served churches in Fredericton and Sussex Corner, N.B., as well as a chaplaincy at Mount Allison University. While serving as a young minister on the East Coast, Alan met Brenda and they were married in 1962. In 1970, the Reynolds family moved to Vancouver, B.C. where Alan was minister at Ryerson, Marpole, University Hill and St. Stephen's (Delta) United Churches for a combined 25 years. While Alan loved to teach through his sermons, he was known for his warm delivery and engaging manner. Alan's pastoral heart embraced all those he served from coast to coast, and he continued to reach out in love and prayer to so many people throughout his entire life. Alan was a true "churchman." He loved the church, certainly all those in it, but also the organization itself. He contributed to the national and local life of the United Church, and faithfully reminded it of its theological and evangelical roots, perhaps most eloquently in his books, Reading the Bible for the Love of God and A Troubled Faith. A younger generation of ministers remember the kind, generous, non-judgmental support he provided. Alan was an enthusiastic outdoorsman who loved to garden, walk, fish, camp, and cross-country ski. Music played an important role in Alan's life, singing as well as playing the trombone, particularly with River City Gospel Jazz and the Christmas Eve family brass ensemble. Immensely proud of his family, Alan enjoyed the huge gatherings of 17 for Sunday dinners and birthday celebrations, as well as many special vacations, from Whistler weekends to Disney Cruises. There was little that brought him more joy than hearing his family laugh together. Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 10 years ago, the past decade introduced challenges that Alan approached with strength, dignity, and a positive outlook. Brenda would like to sincerely thank Dr. Cheryl Hau for her special care for Alan through this struggle. After retirement in 1995, Alan created the Reynolds Rap, a weekly email series. His sign off was this: "Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God." These words continue to inspire many. Alan truly exemplified the following: that character matters, what you believe matters, what you say matters and, most of all, what you do matters. There will be a Zoom service on Saturday, November 21st at 11 a.m. from University Hill Congregation with Rev. Aaron Miller officiating. As Alan would have wanted and so greatly appreciated, if you wish, please donate in his memory to University Hill Congregation or Parkinson's Society British Columbia. "Well done good and faithful servant."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond News from Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alan REYNOLDS

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4 Entries

Donna Bishop

November 26, 2020

Alan was a wonderful, kind, caring, empathetic man. He so loved his family and it was very evident when he spoke of them. I enjoyed reading his submissions of the Reynolds wrap! A fine gentleman who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. My sympathies to Brenda, and his children and grandchildren who I know will miss him and keep him dear to their hearts.

PAUL MUNRO

November 23, 2020

I WAS IN THE BOY SCOUT TROOP AT ST. PAUL'S UNITED CHURCH, A CHURCH IN THE CITY OF FREDERICTON, NB. IT WAS PROBABLY ABOUT 1967 AND DR. REYNOLDS SHARED THE MINISTRY WITH REV GEORGE MOSSMAN. ON THIS DAY THE TROOP HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A SPRING CAMPOREE. ALAN WAS WITH US FOR A GOOD PART OF THE TRIP AND WE WERE AT MY HOME IN ISLAND VIEW NEAR FREDERICTON. ALAN WAS PERCHED ON A STOOL IN THE KITCHEN TELLING OF HIS OUTDOORS ADVENTURES GROWING UP. HE WORE A RED MACINA AND JEANS, NOT LOOKING LIKE A MINISTER AT ALL BUT HIS STORIES WERE RICH. I HAVE ALWAYS REMEMBERED HIM TAKING THE TIME TO VISIT OUR HOME AND ALSO THE COUNSELLING DR. REYNOLDS GAVE ME AS I PREPARED FOR HIGHER EDUCATION. I WOULD IMAGINE HE TOUCHED MANY PEOPLE LIKE ME AND HAD A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Bob and Linda Allen

November 19, 2020

Bob and I first met Alan at the Richmond Parkinson’s Walk. He and Brenda and their enthusiastic family were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Alan had the unique ability not only to hear every word you said, but to understand and sympathize with you. Alan will be missed. Bob was so looking forward to having Alan as a neighbour at Minoru Residence.

Sandy and Phil Wong

November 19, 2020

My deepest sympathy to Brenda and the family. I met Alan at the Mirabel block party events. Alan was always kind , gentle and welcoming. I am sorry for your loss

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Memorial Events
for Alan REYNOLDS

Nov

21

Service

11:00 a.m.

online Zoom service from University Hill Congregation

BC