Alan Charles Wilson

Alan was a special person who was always in high spirits, I am so sad I am just finding out about his passing. I met Alan and Scrappy in 2011 as his first basement roommate and we became fast friends and so did our pups. The first thing I think of when I think of Alan is his smile, he was always smiling and if he was angry, it wasn't long until he was laughing again. We shared a lot of good memories, installing the infamous chiminea, sharing morning coffees and evening beers on the back porch. Picture two people who know nothing about plumbing attempting to put in a shower and toilet in the basement, it took a while but was a success. After I moved out to across the street, Alan and I still stayed friends and helped each other when needed.

Remember when Alan started to Airbnb his house? There was a lot of camping and mini tips that year(s). We lost contact when I moved up Franklin to 45th and I remember getting a call about Scrappy, thankfully it was a false alarm. Unfortunately I only spoke to Alan a handful of times after that as out lives went separate ways over the years. I think about him often and that is how I found out about his passing.

Alan - You and Scappy are two like souls, always grateful and happy regardless of what life tossed your way. I am forever grateful for the chance to know you. PS. Take care of Lilah until I get there <3

Alan was quite simply my hero in high school. What's funny is we were not close friends at all at that time, but he was always so gracious and friendly with me that I naturally looked up to him (he was a year ahead). The other thing that I was impressed with was his athleticism, and I had witnessed his abilities as a gymnast when I was a sophomore. Alan has tremendous form and flexibility, and he made it look so effortless. I quickly decided I wanted the same thing, and I joined Mr. White's junior gymnastic team and began the pursuit of making the varsity team by the time I was a senior. It was Alan who drove me, showed me what it took to execute, how to build up strength, etc. Because of him, I gained confidence, which I continue to harness to this day.

After high school, we never really crossed paths again, until Facebook arrived and I took the opportunity to connect again. We shared photos, I had just had several kids, he was working on his house in Vancouver, and life seemed really positive and great for both of us. We never connected voice to voice during that time, but I cherished that we had found each other again, and I made sure I told him how much he meant to me in high school.

Years pass, and during Covid I had learned from a mutual high school friend (Ted Smith) that Alan was sick....my heart sank and I began to cry. I asked Ted to pass my contacts to Alan and I very much wanted to re-connect if Alan was up for it. We ended up speaking the next night and I was extremely emotional...but Alan was stoic, pragmatic, steady and even. He took time to explain what exactly is happening, what his prognosis was and how he was approaching treatment. So, he made me feel better while he was the one who was suffering....it just speaks volumes about how Alan conducted his life.

I will cherish the time we had together and I will be forever grateful for Alan letting me into his life. I am a better man because him, and his voice still rings in my ears to this day. The last we spoke I told him that I loved him....and he said "I love you too Dave..." That's a gift I carry with me every day....

This is not goodbye....I will see Alan and maybe he can help me with my dismount from the high bar again....

My wife and I have known Alan for about 25yrs. When he started working with us it was quickly evident how positive he was and always smiling! We had so much in common and got along so well together. He is truly an amazing human being. I remember one day him doing some martial arts stuff and doing the splits with each heel on a chair and nothing holding him up. Strong physically and mentally. What I will always remember is the very frequent times Alan would say, "Pay it Forward"! So for me I will honor my friends memory by trying to Pay it Forward as much as I can.
Damien

I met Alan around 1995 when we worked together. We had a lot of laughs and reminisced about them often. He was truly one of the nicest people I've ever known. I think of him every day and miss him dearly.

You will be missed Alan. So many coffee meetups, celebrations, and shared stories of good/bad dates, house renovations, dog and patient circumstances. Glad to have known you. Hope you´re in an airstream in the sky.

I´ve known your family since Alan was a little boy. He was truly a beautiful human. Continuing to think about your beautiful family. Sending love, strength and courage. May his presence be in your daily lives. Love you all dearly. Wendy XO

Grief is the Price we pay for love

Sharing morning coffee on Alan´s front porch. This photo was from July 7th and most of the time Alan had a smile on his face. We had some great laughs and I will miss you brother in law.

To the entire Wilson family and extended family Kathy and Gary Stafford, (Former neighbors across the street. ) We are so saddened to read about Alan´s Passing. Our sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy extend to all of you. He was a wonderful and joyous man who loved life and was so fun to be around. He will truly be missed by all. A very handsome man with such a wonderful smile. We will be thinking and praying for all of you during this very difficult time
Stay strong and look to each other for love and support
All our Love

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Joyce, Kent,Colleen,Andrea and your whole family. I will always remember Alan as a wonderful childhood friend . The days growing up on NE 30th Avenue were such an ideal childhood and Alan was a big part of that. Although we lost touch after highschool we were able to keep in touch most recently through Facebook. He was always so kind, funny; and a bright, and positive light!! Rest in peace Alan. You will be greatly missed.
Michelle

Alan will always be a beacon of light in our lives! We can carry his spirit and love of life with us forever!
Love you , beautiful Wilsons, and see you all soon!
HB and SK

My deepest and heart felt sympathies to Colleen and the rest of the family. I´m sure going to miss those over the back fence conversations.
May you shine bright on the other side Alan.

Alan what's an easy to be with friend and high school. Though we eventually moved in different circles, I always considered him someone I could easily reconnect with. I respect his fighting spirit and send my prayers to his family who miss him dearly. God bless.

I am so sorry to hear of Alan's passing
I was one of Alan's teamates on the gymnastics team At Grant. We trained on the parallel bars together. I was bigger and stronger than him but he was so much better than me. He taught me a lot. My memories of Allan are that he was very nice and super easy going.

I'll always treasure his great smile, fun times in Blue Jay and our deep conversations on the cruise in Alaska.

My best friend until our different high schools took us on different paths. I knew of his cancer which reconnected us while he fought for his life. I am truly devastated and wish Kent, Colleen, Andrea and Mom my deepest sympathies. Look forward to seeing you on the other side my great friend, you will be missed, loved and never forgotten.
Patrick

Alan ..I remember you from Grant High and I remember becoming better friends after High School when I worked with you at Old Towne Pizza in Downtown Portland... you were always smiling and it was great to meet up when I came back for visits... you will be missed my friend.

Dear Wilson Family, I met Alan in the 3rd grade and he was an adorable boy, filled with great spirit and laughter. While I fell out of touch in recent years, he will always be remembered as a great childhood friend. Part of the Thompson-Brazee gang! Rest peacefully Alan, you will be missed by many. -Sara Burton

Alan was born just a few months after his father, Chuck, and I graduated from San Francisco Theological Seminary. The Wilson family has long been a source of friendship, recreation, counsel and comfort. I thank God for them all! Doug Rich.

Dear Alan,
The world has lost a tremendous amount of kindness but heaven has gained. You are like being wrapped in a favorite warm sweater. I have been blessed to have you touch my life. Sending you my love, Gretchen

Send my deepest sympathy. Alan was a great childhood friend that made me laugh often. He will always be remembered as a bright light of my childhood.