Another great man has died. If he were here to edit my work, my father would strongly suggest using a different starting line. Sadly, Alan Bell-Chambers left this world peacefully on July 18th.

Alan was born on July 7th, 1953, to Moira (Bridge of Weir, Scotland) and Alan (Buckinghamshire, England). His father was forever proud that during WW 2, each and every working age man and woman in the family took positions to contribute to the war efforts in England. Alan, the eldest of the three children, leaves behind “Brother Ron” (Ontario) and “Sister Deb” (British Columbia).

A self-proclaimed “Air Force brat”, young Alan lived a storied childhood. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, he enjoyed his early years in France, Germany, Canada, Germany again, and eventually Gimli, Manitoba. There he finished high school and later continued his education at Cariboo College, in Kamloops.

Always up for an adventure and no stranger to geographic maneuverings, Alan pursued and accepted positions as a Weather Observer, and later as a journalist across the country. These included years in Lansdowne House (Ont.), Cree Lake (SK), and a few in B.C. Along the way, he met and fell in love with a nurse named Julie, whom he would later marry. Together, after exploring much of Europe on mopeds, they decided to finally settle down. They chose Saskatoon and built their life, careers and family. The street they picked was filled with neighbours that would become as close as family. Soon enough, they had a daughter and a son.

Alan had landed a job in town with the local broadcaster QC8, CFQC-TV, BBS, CTV, or whatever they’ve decided to call themselves this year. He may have even appeared on your television screens at home (hopefully this didn’t make you want to change the channel!) His career took him across this beautiful province and eventually into the News Directors’ chair. He never forgot the many stories, communities and wonderful people he met along the way.

Later, as the door to his newsroom career closed, only a short time passed before the perfect job for him became available: Grandad. A fresh new audience yet to hear of his countless adventures? Marvelous! Three new children who haven’t heard the jokes he loved to tell? Absolutely splendid! Children about to be captivated by the vivid storytelling of a man who had lived so much. Oh, how wonderful! Alan poured his efforts into his new position. He and Julie instantly became an outstanding grandparent team.

Sadly, the story of Alan ends there. On a high note, grandpa Alan spent his last day at Ness Creek celebrating his love of music, his love of nature, being with family, and cracking jokes until the end. A day sweetened by the joy of watching his eldest grandchild grace the stage and perform. Shortly thereafter, he was in the care of first responders and a great medical team in Shellbrook, SK. Much like his early days in journalism, Alan has made one last trip back from the alluring North and was brought home.

Julie, his daughter Cassandra, son Christopher, and three grandchildren thank you all for remembering him with us.

Signing off for the last time

“This is Alan Bell-Chambers with CFQC-TV, Goodnight”

• Date : 2026-07-18
• Location : Saskatoon, SK