ALAN ROBERT MAXWELL

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ALAN ROBERT MAXWELL It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Robert Maxwell on January 8, 2017. Alan is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joanne; and children, Claire (Grant Platts ), Chris (Donna Maxwell), Gay (John Benns ), Susan (Fred Soshycki) and Alison (Nick Diacos) and grandchildren, Andrew, Jillian, Duncan, Liza, Holly, Sam, Coco, Owen, Gavin and Jordan. Alan was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Greta Maxwell and his brother John (Jack) Maxwell. Born in Port Arthur, Alan came to Winnipeg as a young boy. After attending Queenston and Robert H. Smith Schools, Alan arrived at Kelvin High School already an accomplished athlete. He made a name for himself on the basketball court but he was equally gifted playing football and baseball. When he reminisced about those days his attention always landed on the good friends he met as a young athlete. He was the first to admit that his high school experience was heavy in athletics, a bit light on academics but grounded by what would become life long friendships. Those friendships, of course, included the courting of his future wife, Joanne Morgan. Alan found his way to Macalester College in St. Paul Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1958. At Macalester, he became fast friends with classmates and roommates building friendships that carried on for decades. When Alan and Joanne married, he began his career as a stockbroker in Winnipeg. Their family grew with two sets of twins arriving in the first four years of their union. One more child would follow as Alan navigated a successful career with several firms. He served as President of the Winnipeg Stock Exchange and represented the Bank of Canada, retiring from RBC Dominion Securities in 1998. Alan enjoyed many years as an active member at St. Charles Country Club, and enjoyed the camaraderie of the club as much as the golf. He spent time as Club President and Club Captain. He was known as one of the founders of the Mundie Putters and was affectionately referred to as the "Commish". Alan was proud to have chaired a number of organizing committees for golf tournaments that visited Winnipeg. The highlight may have been when the PGA senior tour descended on St. Charles for a tour stop in 1982. Alan eventually had to give up golf and his St. Charles membership due to his health, but his connection and love for the club never diminished. He was a great fan of sport and encouraged participation at any level. Whether it was as a Blue Bomber Board member, the Kelvin Clippers basketball coach or chief chauffeur to early morning swim practices, he left an impression. Of all his accomplishments, there was nothing that gave him more joy than his children and grandchildren. His happiest times were spent at the head of a dining table surrounded by his family. He was a natural born story teller. He never shied away from an opportunity to entertain with his tales. He was usually the story's antagonist, there was usually a foiled caper and when told correctly, the result was laughter. He was always proud of a good "zinger". In the family home, Alan was happy to have a constant stream of neighbourhood kids in and out of the house and his snack selection was nothing short of legendary. There were basketball lessons on the driveway while the technologies of the day were making their Winnipeg debut in the Maxwell basement. When the nest began to empty in the city, a new gathering spot was developed at Shoal Lake where there was room for children, grandchildren and anyone else who cared to visit. Alan will be remembered by most for his generous spirit. He was actively involved in many charities and programs, assisting with practical assignments and with fund raising in any way that he could. He was very proud of Winnipeg and it was important to him to give back to the community that he loved. The family would like to thank Dr. Russ Albak and the team at PRIME. The Deer Lodge program was a God send to Alan. The program gave him purpose and the staff skillfully placed him in a leadership role where he felt most at home. For that our family is so grateful. Alan was the last of the great optimists, he spent most of his life looking on the bright side. PRIME was a bright spot when he needed one. A memorial service will be held on what would have been his 84th birthday, Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 3830 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg. If friends desire, donations may be made in Alan's memory to the Alan R. Maxwell Memorial Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation, www.wpgfdn.org/AlanMaxwell., 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg MB, R3B 0X3). 204-944-9474. Or www.wpgfdn.org.
Publish Date: Jan 14, 2017

ALAN ROBERT MAXWELL It is with great sadness that the family of Alan Maxwell, announce his peaceful passing on Sunday, January 8, 2017 at the Health Sciences Centre. Funeral arrangements are pending and a longer obituary will follow.

Publish Date: Jan 10, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2017