Tribute

Wasa Lake resident Dr. Alan Askey, 93 died peacefully at home on the evening of May 16, 2021. Born in Kamloops and raised in Winnipeg, Alan was well known in the Cranbrook community in the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s as a family doctor and founder of the Associates Clinic.

He was the local coroner, later the regional coroner, and then (with a move to Vancouver in 1985) Director of Medical Investigations for BC.  He ended his career as Deputy Registrar for the BC College of Physicians and Surgeons.

A skilled and keen outdoorsman – Alan had worked across Canada in forestry and geophysics for a decade before becoming a doctor – he and Marite had returned to the East Kootenay in 2001 to enjoy in retirement the mountains they called home.

Alan was a backpacker, skier, river runner, bird hunter and student of the history of Great Plains and Rocky Mountain exploration and settlement. One of his most satisfying achievements was his key role in establishing the Height of the Rockies Provincial Park in 1995 after almost 20 years of grassroots campaigning for one of his favourite places on Earth. He was last up there when he was 80, horsepacking and camping in Sylvan Pass

Alan was predeceased by his brothers Derek, Michael and Peter, and (in 1949) his parents the Rev. Major William and Clare Hamilton Askey. Alan is survived by his loving and dedicated wife of 45 years, Marite, his sons David (Jesseca) and Ethan (Liz), and his grand-daughter Claire.

A sincere, modest, and gentle giant of a man, Alan will be greatly missed by his family and friends. At Alan’s request a funeral service will not be held, but condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.  We’d like to thank Dr. Post and staff of the Associates Clinic, the Interior Health palliative care team, his bridge buddies, and all those who helped make his last weeks and months more comfortable.