Alan Robert Brand

January 13, 1947 – August 19, 2023 

Alan Brand, 76, of Owen Sound, passed away on August 19, 2023 after a pericardial effusion.

Alan was born in January 1947 in London, England, first son of Robert “Bob” and Nellie Brand (nee Lawrence).

Alan emigrated to Canada at the age of 20. (Canada won out over Australia as it was closer and afforded him time to visit the embassy and still grab a pint on his lunch break).  Alan arrived in Toronto where he lived for 35 years.  He was passionate about music and enjoyed live performances at Toronto’s many venues. He collected Blues, R&B and Soul on vinyl and created many compilations on Spotify.

Often self employed, a founder of many small businesses, Alan was a skilled computer programmer, specializing in custom application software.  Many friends and relationships centred around his Toronto local, The Feathers, on Kingston Rd. This included both his long time best mate, Steve and Alan’s beloved wife of 31 years, Janice.

In 2003 Alan, Jan and son Zak moved to Owen Sound, along with their 1967 Jaguar 420 “Grace”. British Classic Cars and his many friends in the community were a big part of Alan’s joy.

Alan was liked and respected for his honesty, generosity and especially for his clever wit.  He lived his life fully and loved deeply. He welcomed a good conversation or debate over a pint (always Guinness) in the pub and told the best stories. His life was colourful and all the more so when he recounted it!  For many years Alan suffered from chronic health conditions and a severe allergic reaction to sulphur limiting his ability to do the things he previously enjoyed. Recently he was working on becoming healthier and had been feeling the benefits. Alan’s sudden death from pericardial effusion was unrelated to any previous health issues.

Alan is survived by his wife Jan, their son, Zak, his former wife, Karen and their daughters Alexa and Leah, his son-in-law Grant, his grandchildren James, Nolan and Kate, his brother, Terry, sister-in-law, Joy, niece Tracy, nephew-in-law James and his great-nephews Kyan and Jayden.

Alan’s wife Jan was by his side until the end. Jan, Zak and all surviving family members are left with holes in their hearts. Thank you to all our families and friends for helping us through. Thanks to Owen Sound Emergency and to the Ornge Fellow and crew, for your skill and kindness.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to the REACH Centre Grey/Bruce (reachcentre.org) or United Way Bruce Grey (unitedwayofbrucegrey.com) would be appreciated.