Alan Ress Darkes

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Alan has gone fishin' for the last time. Alan Ress Darkes passed away at the age of 90 on October 3, 2023, in Hinton Alberta. Alan will be very much missed by his wife, Susan (Sue), of 60 years.

Alan was born in Hardisty, Alberta, on September 14, 1933, to Resto and Alice (Clark) Darkes.

 Alan grew up on a farm north of Hardisty where he milked cows and learned any other jobs that are part of farm life. Eventually he grew up to perform all the work required to seed and harvest the crops with his father as well. Alan loved life on the farm especially when there was time to go hunting or fishing. Always a farmer at heart, his garden was always his pride and joy until he was no longer able to look after it.

Alan started his education at a country school where his mother was the teacher. He was hired to be the janitor at $5.00 a month. Later when the country schools closed and busing was provided, he attended school in Irma.

Sports have always been a big part of Alan's life. He especially loved baseball, curling and golf. Curling was the one he excelled at playing in high school competitions, many local bonspiels and senior Alberta playdowns. As much as he loved the competitive games, he was always able to enjoy the less competitive seniors curling at the Hinton Curling Club. Alan was also an avid Blue Jays and Oilers fan. He never missed a game by choice.

Alan and Sue were married in 1963 and lived in Hughenden where he had a butcher shop before moving to Hinton in 1970. Alan ran the school buses and worked for Bert Hansen before working as a maintenance painter at the mill from 1978 to 1994.

Retirement meant that he would have lots of time to go fishing and play pool. He also joined the Good Companions Seniors Club where he played crib, bridge and floor curling and helped run the club in any way that he could. He also volunteered many hours at the Legion and curling club.

Al and Sue bought a truck and camper so they could travel to Alaska, Ontario, USA and the west coast. Trips were also made to England, Mexico and the Maritimes. The truck and camper also took Alan and his fishing buddies on many fishing trips.

As well as his wife Sue, Alan leaves behind his daughter Amy (Nick), son Aaron (Corina); grandchildren Ashley, Christina (Jeremy) Meghan (Travis), John (Leah); great grandchildren Robbie, Alaya, Blakely, Daxon, Stella and Nash, and sister Lois.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, his sister Lucille Hammill and son in law Rob Corrigan.

A Celebration of Alans life will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 1pm, at the Royal Canadian Legion (the office) in Hinton.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest a donation to the Hinton Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion or a charity of your choice.

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