September 15, 1949 - February 26, 2025
Allan was born and raised in Kimberley B.C. Following graduation from Selkirk Senior Secondary, Al attended the University of Victoria. He obtained his Bachelor Degree in education and returned to Kimberley to begin his life career at Selkirk. Allan moved on from Kimberley to Williams Lake where he was the librarian at Colunmeetza High School followed by being the director of the Resource Centre for SD # 27. Following his retirement Allan relocated to Victoria.
Allan's involvement with hockey spanned his entire adult life. While teaching in Kimberley he was involved with the Kimberley Knights junior B team and his involvement continued when he moved to Williams Lake. Al was on the board of Hockey BC and worked his way up to Chair of the Board. He was also inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008 and was bestowed the honour of BC Hockey Life member.
Al continued on to Hockey Canada holding many positions within the organization . Al was elected Chair of Board for Hockey Canada in 2003-2005 and was on the Hockey Canada Foundation Board of Directors. Allan was serving as Chair for the National Appeals Committee at the time of his passing.
Allan is survived by his sisters Brenda Sbitney and Diane Sullivan and their families. Allan is pre deceased by his parents Clarence and Edna Matthews.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the BC Diabetes Foundation.