Peacefully on Thursday, May 4, 2017, Alan Murray Hope passed away at Fairview Home surrounded by his loving family. Alan was born at Brandon General Hospital on July 15, 1928 and spent his childhood in Chater with his parents, Minnie and Percy Hope, his brothers Donald, Raymond and his twin sister, Irene, all of whom have predeceased him. Following a short military career in BC, Alan returned to Brandon where he met and married the love of his life, Dawn Bathgate on July 19, 1952. Together, they enjoyed many days with close friends experiencing adventures and fun times. The adventures evolved as they began having their families and although Alan’s appreciation of a good laugh and fun times never waned, his attention also turned to his work and family. There were many memorable family vacations spent playing, swimming, fishing and enjoying the company of Alan’s beloved twin sister, Irene and her husband Hugh at their cottage in Ontario. The station wagon was loaded up with children, toys, luggage, coolers and off we’d go, stopping to take pictures at landmarks along the way and picnicking on the lunches made ahead so we could make good time each day. Alan got his apprenticeship in sheet metal in 1958 through Brandon Heating and Plumbing and in 1972, along with friends and colleagues, he bought into the business and formed a successful and enduring partnership. Alan loved his work and those with whom he worked over the years, many who would become his life-long friends. He worked hard and took pride in the work that he did and the relationships he built with his customers and in the community of Brandon. His legacy was eventually passed on to his son Warren in 1994 and Alan retired in his early 70’s. For years afterward, people would approach him to say hello and comment on the work he had done for them through Brandon Heating & Plumbing. Alan’s commitment to his endeavours was also evident in baseball and curling. He was involved in baseball in his early years at Chater which ultimately led to his being part of the Army, Navy & Air Force team that was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 2004 which was celebrated with old and dear friends. He curled his entire adult life and was one of the founders of Riverview Curling Club where he enjoyed the game and the social life that came with it. Many happy years at that rink followed as more life-long friendships were made. In the mid-1970’s, Al and Dawn built their lakefront cottage at Ditch Lake. It was there that Alan enjoyed years of bliss working around the yard, visiting with new neighbours and friends, driving the boat for an endless parade of waterskiers, floating around the lake on the raft/pontoon boat in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. An annual reunion with Dawn’s sister Bev, her husband Adam and family was a time Alan enjoyed thoroughly. One of the greatest gifts he gave those who knew him was his sense of fun and humour. Alan approached life with a twinkle in his eye and a sideways grin. His exploits are legendary among those who knew him as so many are eager to share a funny story of something that he was involved in some time ago. His sense of humour and good-natured teasing survived even the ravages of Alzheimer’s in his later years as he would at times, surprise the staff at Fairview with some unexpected quip and a grin that endeared him to them. Alan was extremely generous and giving, a true and caring friend, the most devoted husband and dad a family could ever want. Nothing was more important to Alan than his family and together we had wonderful times and some very hard times, especially at the loss of our beloved son and brother, Larry who passed away in 2009. Alan and Dawn had 65 years of love and life together that is an inspiration to their kids and grandkids. Left to mourn his loss are his loving wife Dawn, his daughter Sandy (Randy) and son Warren (Karen) and his grandchildren Lindsay (James), Jordan & Cody. We all want to thank the staff at 5th Floor Fairview Home for their excellent care and kindness shown to Alan and to his family. The Ceremony to Celebrate Alan's Life took place at Memories Chapel on Thursday, May 11, 2017. Rev. Doug Neufeld officiated. A private family interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Alan may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, Unit 4B-457 9th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 1K2, or Brandon Community Options, 136 11th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 4J4, or to a charity of your choice.