Obituary of Alan Tipling

Alan Tipling – July 22, 1940 – Aug 8, 2020

It is with sadness the family of Alan share the news of his passing, surrounded by family, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 8th after a brief illness.

Alan was born in Harrogate, England, the son of Herbert and Minnie (Dodsworth) Tipling.  Alan was an avid athlete on the rings in school and enjoyed driving his motorcycle.  He married the love of his life, Brenda Fish, in September 1961 and they enjoyed 59 years together.  In England, Alan worked in coal mining.  As the mining industry collapsed, he moved to baking to support his family.  After his brother Brian moved to New Brunswick, Alan and Brenda made the bold move to bring their young family to Canada in search of a better life.  The five of them arrived via Gander, Newfoundland in 1975 and settled in Lepreau, New Brunswick to begin a new life.  Alan began work at the Irving Oil refinery where he worked for 26 years in truck loading and oil movements, making many great friends and achieving his goal of supporting his family.  In retirement, he also enjoyed working part time as a security guard at various locations.

Alan was an active volunteer with his family at Blacks Harbour Minor Hockey, Lions Club, and Relay for Life.  Alan was happiest when volunteering behind the grill where he could be found feeding volunteers and the community.  At the 24 Hour Relays, his food station drew the largest lines with him feeding people all night and loving every minute of it.  He was an amazing cook at home with his hand made fish and chips and Christmas dinner feasts with Brenda.  He had a quick wit and always had a “dad joke” to make everyone groan.

Alan is survived by his wife Brenda Tipling of Saint John, daughter Alison Tipling (Lindsay Bolan) of St. Stephen, son Andrew Tipling (Judy) of Lepreau, daughter Nicky Scott (Kevin) of Hampton, grandchildren Tony and Justin Seelye, Michael and Nicholas Tipling, Chandler, Colton, Carter, and Shelby Scott, great grandson Nixon Seelye, as well as extended family in England.  Alan was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Robert and Brian Tipling.

Alan’s family would like to thank the staff of the Chateau Champlain, Joan’s Home Care, SJRH Palliative Care as well as Dr. Chris O’Brien for more than 40 years of exceptional medical care.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, where visitation will be held on Friday, August 14th from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15th at 11:00 am at St. Mary and St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, 646 Westmorland Road.  Please note that physical distancing will be followed, and masks are strongly recommended. Once the church is at capacity, all other friends and those unable to attend will be able to view the service online at http://smsbchurch.com/.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, SPCA or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.brenansfh.com