ALAN WENSLEY

Wensley, Alan

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alan Cameron Wensley on Saturday, April 21, 2018, with his family by his side, at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre in Thunder Bay, Ont.
Alan was born on Dec. 21, 1938 in Emo, Ont. At the age of 18, he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce and worked as an Aeroengine Technician at Camp Borden, Ont. It was there he met the love of his life and future wife, Bernice Dungey.
The two moved around with the air force for a short time and started their family before settling down in Nestor Falls, Ont. in 1965. Alan then worked as a bush pilot for 12 years.
Alan always liked a challenge. In 1977, they moved to Atikokan, Ont., where he worked for Great Lakes Forest Products and later went into business, managing and owning a few businesses.
Alan joined the Legion in 1965 in Nestor Falls and continued his membership at the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #145 in Atikokan, accumulating more than 50 years of membership.
During his time as president of the Legion, there were three things that Alan was especially proud of. First, he authorized the changing of the doorways to allow for a pool table to be brought in for the members. Second, he fought hard for the continued sponsorship of the Phil Sawdo Memorial Bass Tournament that later transitioned into the Atikokan Bass Classic.
Finally, Alan was instrumental in creating partnerships with the other associations in town, which allowed the formation of the Atikokan Cadets 600 Squadron.
Alan loved working and growing up in the bush. He built his home at Nickleby Lake, which grew to become his favourite place in the world. He spend many happy years there, and was able to watch his grandchildren grow and flourish. He was very proud of all of them.
Alan is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bernice Wensley; children, Cheryl (Len) Wilson, Rick (Char) Wensley, Wendy (Eli) Kempf, and Wally (Roxanne) Wensley; grandchildren, Jesse (Amanda) Wilson, Joel (Caitlin) Wilson, Jordan Wilson, Nikita (Nick) Matichuk, Kelsey (Adam) Kempf, AJ (Sydney) Wensley, Adam Wensley, Brianna LeSage, Danny (Jasmine) Wensley, and Matt Wensley; and great-grandchildren, Dessa, Alex, Aubrey, Declan, Teagan, and Asher.
He also is survived by his siblings, Ron (Pauline) Wensley, Sandra (Jack) Metelnick, Dennis (Betty) Wensley, and Cathy (Marcel) Pelegrini; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Helen Wensley, and brothers, Brian and David Wensley
A service will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Atikokan.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate in memoriam donations to the Atikokan General Hospital Foundation.