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Alan Smith Obituary
Passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. Born July 24, 1926 in Victoria, B.C. Alan is predeceased by his five siblings (George, Leslie, Felicie, Donald and Maureen) and Shirley, his beloved wife of 63 years.
Alan is survived by his three children Lynn (Dave), Verne (Pat) and Richard (Kery) and he will be missed by all his family including his grandchildren Jennifer, Cindy, Brock, Rebecca,
Sam, Zack, Savannah and Keisha as well as his many great grandchildren.
Alan spent most of his life on the Blenkinsop family properly in Victoria, B.C. He was an active member of the Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Garden Society. His life-long passion was creating beautiful gardens alongside his wife Shirley.
He enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as the City of Victoria Parks Director and his retirement years were spent gardening, cultivating alpines, working on his many collections and enjoying family celebrations.
Alan spent the last four years at Coastal Breeze Village in Powell River, B.C. and will be missed by his many friends there.
Many thanks to the caring staff who looked after Alan at qathet General Hospital and the Evergreen Extended Care Unit.
Alan and Shirley will rest together at Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria, B.C. In lieu of flowers and cards please make donations to the charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Smith
Sponsored by the Victoria Times Colonist.
4 Entries
Sue Lee
January 10, 2026
I had the honour and pleasure of knowing Al through VIRAGS. He and Shirley always gave me a warm welcome when I was invited over to see their incredible hilltop garden filled with choice plants. Al was passionate about alpines in particular and was very generous, donating many flats of plants every year to the alpine club to sell at its spring show. I was also a lucky recipient of his kindness, knowledge and generosity. We would talk about plants and current affairs, and he would amaze me with his brilliant ability to recall plants and people from his long career in horticulture. I loved going to see his hillside of Narcissus bulbocodium, satinflowers, and cyclamen in season, as well as the many exotic and rare plants growing in his expansive garden. It was the first time I saw a Telopea truncata blooming in Victoria, and the fiery blooms of Embothriums lighting up the hill. Al was a marvelous plantsman and a wonderful man. Rest in peace with your "Sweetie", Al. Deepest condolences to family and friends.
Gord Smith
January 10, 2026
I joined the Victoria Parks Department a few years after Al´s retirement, however I knew him from his involvement with the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific. Al´s knowledge of horticulture and plant identification was outstanding . After joining the Parks Department I quickly learned how Al had continued the great work of the Herb Warren who was responsible for laying the ground work in creating such a diverse parks system and bringing the hanging baskets to Victoria´s streets . It was easy to see how Al´s vision as the head of the parks system was so aligned with what Herb had started out to build .....Al was the catalyst to take it to the next level. Horticulture was a passion for Al and he left a heck of a legacy behind in Victoria.
One of the good ones has left the greenhouse for the last time. RIP Al and thanks for being a mentor to so many being a great supporter of horticulture in the Victoria area.
ian phillips
January 8, 2026
I was just a young Engineering Tech. at the City when Al was the Director of Parks. At this point in my career our paths seldom crossed but when they did Mr. Smith was very helpful, respectful and encouraging when we met. He was always upbeat and very committed to the City and proud of the workers in the Parks Department . I would like to emphasis for his family he was a caring man who was respected by all of us working for the City. My condolences to all his family and close friends
Beverly Foz
January 6, 2026
We knew Al through his hobby of collecting stamps. He invited us to his home once. He spent a fortune on bird seed and while we sat in his kitchen the birds never stopped flying to the deck and away. It was such a pleasure to watch them. I'll never forget it and the kindness of this lovely man.
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