Alan Varney

Charles Alan Varney

(1938 – 2017)

It is with great sadness that our sharing the news of the passing of Alan will touch so many hearts of those who he came in contact with during his journey through life. His passing leaves behind the love of his life Audrey, his wife of 53 years, his beloved sons Kyle (Tammy) and Dale Varney and the second love of his life, his granddaughter Samantha.

Alan was born in Duart, the only son of Charles and Jean Varney. His remaining siblings are Jessie Welch Cutler, Shirley Kennedy and Mary Helen Wilson (Bill). His extended family includes his sister-in-law Kathyrn Young, brother-in-law Rev. Roger Millar (Nancy) and brother-in-law Bob Wilson (Lynn). His nieces and nephews are Mary Jean Hornick (Stu), Paul Welch (Laurie), Mark Welch (Michele), Tim Welch (Karen), Anne Darby, Jim Kennedy, Peter Jon Wilson, Graham and Christopher Millar and Laura Van Berkum (Ryan).  He was predeceased by three brother-in-laws; Dr. Walter Welch, Bill Cutler and Kyle Kennedy, his nephew Richard Young and two very dear friends Keith Sambell and Vic Knight.

Alan was born to be a teacher. He ruled with a strict hand but with a compassionate heart. His teaching began in a one room country school in Sombra and ended at Blenheim District High School. As he aged and many of his students hair began to turn grey, that warm teacher/student relationship was always reaffirmed when they met one another.

Alan’s greatest success was just being a good human being. For those who knew him, his love and his great pride of family was evident in his every word and action. His love was unconditional. Alan looked after all of his family and tried to protect each of them from the storms in life. His strong work ethics were undeniable and his steadfast belief in honesty awarded him integrity. There was one thing that Alan despised and that was injustice. While others whispered their thoughts behind the scenes, Alan stood up and used his voice for justice. Often his voice was the only one heard in the room.

Alan did not define gifts wrapped up with big bows as acts of generosity but rather the gifts people gave of themselves. He admired that trait in others and he himself bestowed that generosity to so many in his lifetime. He cherished his friends and he proved to them throughout his life that he would be a presence in their lives when they needed someone the most. What a wonderful legacy Alan leaves behind. Hopefully, we, his beneficiaries, will be able to follow in the footprints he so skillfully carved out for each of us.

This beautiful, Irish life-affirming poem tells us where our dearest love Alan is now:

He is not lost our dearest love,

Nor has he travelled far,

Just stepped inside home’s loveliest room,

And left the door ajar.

Please join us at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Saturday November 4, 2017 as we celebrate Alan’s life. A formal service will begin at 2:30 p.m. and will be followed by a time of visiting and sharing memories.  Friends wishing to remember Alan with a memorial donation are encouraged to consider Prostate Cancer Canada or Movemeber Canada.