Tribute

In Loving Memory of Alan Duff Niven
July 28, 1934 – June 28, 2025

With heavy hearts and profound love, we announce the sudden passing of Alan Niven on June 28, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen (nee Simpson); his cherished daughters, Krista (Keith) and Shona (Colin); and his adoring grandchildren, Rayne, Alena, Jordan, and Jayda. He is predeceased by his parents, Annie and Charles, and his sister, Doris.

Born and raised in Montreal.  Some of his fondest memories were his mother’s incredible cooking, joining the canoe club and working on a farm.  He was very proud to be a part of the Martian ski club in Saint-Sauveur as well. In his twenties, he went to school in Boston to become an Instrumentation Electrician/Mechanic.  He worked out of Vancouver and travelled the province for Foxboro Instruments. Al lived a life rich with adventure, friendship, and purpose.  He lived with his closest ‘buddies’ and seized every opportunity to ski on the weekends. Al was a man who embraced life fully, with a passion that was contagious. A natural storyteller and the life of every party, Al had a magnetic presence.

Al married Karen in 1964, and they built a life together grounded in love, laughter, and shared adventures for just over 61 years! They eventually settled in Whistler, where Al could pursue his love of skiing full time, working part-time while immersing himself in the alpine lifestyle he adored. Together they raised their daughters there, Vernon, and lastly in Oliver.  Al worked as an instrumentation technician, city labourer, ski instructor, electrician and in construction.  He did a little bit of everything!

Despite the physical setbacks Al went through after his 30-foot fall off a packing house roof, his spirit remained unshaken. He stepped into the role of primary caregiver or “Mr. Mom” for his children while Karen transitioned into a real estate career. Al embraced his new role with the same energy and commitment he gave to everything in his life. The switch was one of strength and teamwork—a testament to their deep partnership. If there was one thing Al made sure everyone knew, it was how much he loved his wife and how proud he was of his girls and grandchildren.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Al’s life was filled with skiing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, hiking, golfing and hunting. His zest for life, his humour, and his ability to bring people together will be deeply missed by all who had the fortune of knowing him. He truly was a larger-than-life legend—both on the mountain and off.

Al lived boldly, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and enduring love. His memory will continue to inspire us to live with the same passion and energy that he had every single day.

A private, immediate family celebration of Al’s life was held at Fairview Golf Course just after his passing as per his request.

In lieu of flowers, please honour Al by doing something adventurous, bold, and raise a glass of your favourite beverage in Al’s honour with a story about him.  He was a strong supporter of the BC Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, the CNIB and the Oliver Lions Club.  Feel free to donate in his honour – he’d appreciate that.