Obituary of Alan Syms

Alan “Wayne” Syms It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan “Wayne” Syms of Harmattan, Alberta on January 15, 2024. Wayne was born August 31, 1940, in Victoria, British Columbia and spent the last 25 years of his life in between warm and sunny California and beautiful Harmattan, Alberta. He loved heading to California each fall to enjoy the winters in warmth, and he loved heading back home each spring to be with family and enjoy the quiet country life. He lived the best of both worlds since his early retirement at the age of 55, after a rewarding lifelong career with AGT. Wayne grew up mostly in Alberta with his mom, dad, 5 sisters and one brother. He grew up loving the chuckwagon races and would annually take the family down to the Calgary Stampede to watch the show and hang out in the barns with the Dorchester family. Wayne also loved his farming days since he was a young man, on his own land and helping family. He was so proud to be called back year and year again to the Bilton Homestead to assist with the annual harvest. He was also an avid gardener and would spend hours in the garden each day. His other most favorite summertime activity was camping with his family, and he especially looked forward to our family reunions held every three years for the past 50+ years. He was so proud when we all gathered for those important family events and loved the lifetime of memories created. Another thing Wayne was famous for was teaching everyone, especially the younger generations, how to play card games, chess, checkers, bridge, crib, poker, and many others. We all know what a challenge it was to beat him, and we would be so proud of ourselves when we did so. His love of games was shared with everyone, with many family fun nights around the table playing one game or another. Memories Eternal. He could build anything, grow anything and drive anything he set his mind to. He loved his service to his community and was a lifetime member of the Elks Club of Canada, where he was much beloved and had such a great time. He spent hours volunteering for so many organizations, including the Elks and the Sundre Pro Rodeo. He was always right in the middle of things, helping out and lending a supportive hand. Wayne, beloved father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving children, Lorrie Syms (Dave), Lana Syms, Michael Syms (Jessica), Monica Hordos (Roland) and son-in-law Cliff Johnson, grand-children James (Jenna) and Nick (Laura), Dallas, Dakota and Ailsa, Gage and Hayes, his great-grand-grandchildren Callum, Bowen, and Stella and his many siblings, Gordon (Jeanne), Shirley, Diane (Don), Audrey (Don), Linda and Gladys (Jerome). He also leaves behind to mourn many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Wayne is predeceased by his daughter Louise, grandson Brandon Cole, niece Teri Beauchesne and his parents, Archie and Adeline (Ness) Syms. In keeping with Dad’s wishes, no funeral will be held. Cremation has taken place, and a private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Harmattan, Alberta. If friends and family so desire, a donation can be made to the Elks Club of Canada, Sundre, AB Condolences can be sent to lsyms2020@gmail.com or mailed to: Lana Syms, 5617-51 Street, Vegreville, AB, T9C 1K2. Our family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your encouragement and kind words are greatly appreciated.