Edmonton – Master Corporal Alan Belland, 46, of Edmonton and formerly of Bathurst, passed away suddenly in Edmonton on Monday (September 22, 2008).
Born in New Glasgow, he was the son of Maurice “Moe” and Marie (MacKenzie) Belland.
Alan graduated from B.H.S. in 1981 and joined the Canadian Armed Forces in May 1983 as a Radio Operator and due to military reorganization became a Signal Operator in May 2000. During his career he served at many locations in Canada including Kingston, Ottawa, Aldergrove, BC, Petawawa, Gagetown and Edmonton. He also served his country overseas with a tour of duty with the United Nations in Syria in 1993 and again answered the call in 1999 when he completed a six month tour in Bosnia (former Yugoslavia). He was scheduled to go to Afghanistan in 2006, but was unable to go because of medical problems. His hobbies included working with electronics and outdoor activities.
Besides his parents of Bathurst, he is survived by:
Three brothers:
Michael (Mauro) of Whistler, BC
Gregory (Kathy) of Nelson, BC
John (Karen) of North Vancouver, BC
One sister:
Edith MacKenzie (Merrell) of Vancouver, BC
4 nieces; Christina, Caitlin, Andi, Brynn and 1 nephew; Benjamin.
Many aunts, uncles and cousins.
There will be no visitation at the Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday (October 2, 2008) at 4:00 p.m. from Holy Family Church, St. Peter Ave., Bathurst. For anyone wishing to send tokens of sympathy, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or a favorite charity. Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton's Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.