DOLAN, (John) Alan, born on August 14, 1949, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, died May 1, 2025 in Victoria after a month’s illness. Alan is predeceased by parents Muriel Frances (McKenzie) Dolan and John (Jack) Franklin Dolan. He is survived by wife Susan Clarke, daughter Stacey Eden Clarke-Dolan (Joel Pennington), son Adrian Gordon Clarke-Dolan (Shanti Bremer), grandchildren Austen and Caelen Pennington, Arlea and Josefine Dolan, and brothers Douglas and Robert (Bob) Dolan.
Alan loved his childhood, from summers on Lake Winnipeg to playing in the Heartless Souls, his band during high school. He was loved by classmates for his sense of humour and generous nature.
While studying biology at McGill University, Waterloo and Queens, Alan explored ecological and social justice issues that would form the backbone of his professional and activist life.
At Queens, he met his lifetime partner Susan Clarke and together they began a journey out of the fish lab. Sharing a deep childhood attachment to lakes, they took a path from city to hinterland, joining other back-to-the-landers. Alan applied himself to local community building, appropriate technology and organic agriculture.
Alan and Susan married in 1980, beginning two decades of a rich family life with a vibrant community of fellow homeschoolers. Alan was always there for his children, sharing his knowledge and skills as they developed their own careers.
In 1990, Alan moved with his family from Tamworth, Ontario to Vancouver Island, where he worked in communications for the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs before forming Alan Dolan & Associates 1992. Alan’s consulting firm provided community engagement, communications and facilitation to government, First Nations and NGOs.
Alan volunteered in many community organizations where he promoted his vision of inclusive, meaningful participation at all levels of society.
Soon after moving to Sooke in 2016, Alan took on many duties in Transition Sooke, showing a level of commitment and leadership that earned him great respect and appreciation.
His cherished Larrivée guitar was his constant go-to for solitude as well as togetherness. He brought music into so many lives, especially his family. Alan’s four grandchildren, will fondly remember their singing Grandad.
A celebration of his life will take place on August 15, 2025. Details are here
View the Times Colonist Obituary and guest book on Legacy.com
Ontario Obituary
ONTARIO 1975 – 1990
A rolling stone gathers no moss, but makes a lot of waves
Lovingly recounted by Susan (Suzy), another ‘49er, who rode the waves for 49 years
I met Alan at Queens biology station, the hub of ecological and behavioural research. We moved into a cabin nearby on Lake Opinicon. The cabin became a satellite for great debates around the woodstove and discussions under moonlight, long days in the boat and labs, many gatherings and music, always music and fun.
Leaving academia was a bold move from known to unknown. Alan’s emerging interest in appropriate technology began with his adventure into back-to-the-land. Joining many youthful souls, all with a plan and little money, Alan diligently learned how to be self-sufficient from every source imaginable. He ventured into his first food coop in Seeley’s Bay and never knew a life without a food coop since.
After leaving Queens, Alan worked with the federal government’s Community Conservation Centre in Smith’s Falls. Ecology and energy became critically intertwined, which led to joining the Leeds County Conserver Society and the Ontario Non-nuclear Network. With a growing commitment to organic agriculture, as well as energy, Alan was a volunteer organizer for Farming for the Future conference for local farmers. Alan also worked for the Leeds Farm Energy Project.
With the births of Stacey (1980) and Adrian (1983), Alan made way for more adventures in learning. The decision to homeschool began an ever-expanding alternative community. Alan and Susan helped organize “Homeschooling in the 90s,” a provincewide convention of homeschoolers. Soon afterwards, Alan’s family, dogs and cats, drove to BC and began another chapter in homeschooling.
Not surprisingly, these heady days included exploring new age politics with ecological principles and community alternatives in living lightly on the planet. Alan volunteered with the emerging Green Party in 1983, helping to organize the first national convention in Ottawa.
Activism is the expression of solidarity with your fellow humans. Alan embraced social justice and the imperative of doing and being visible. Alan and family organized and attended many demonstrations, rallies and peaceful protests. He learned about conflict resolution, facilitation and group dynamics through Greenpeace workshops, and studies in Movement for a New Society (Quakers). Many years later, these skills brought his vision of a participatory society together in Alan Dolan and Associates.
No community can exist without fun, and Alan was a wonderful host at any event. Friends in eastern Ontario remember the Leo parties held near Alan’s birthday. All Leos were honoured and we cherished every one of them!
Alan left behind many communities of friends in Ontario to follow a calling to the Westcoast, setting off another system of waves, personally and professionally and always with music and family at the crest of the wave.
He had huge respect and love for you all.
Alan Dolan Memorial 