AlanSPACKMANHis family are sad to announce the passing of Alan Spackman on 29th May at Llandough Hospital aged 79 years. Alan was an extraordinary character who led a life full of adventure, following his many outdoor pursuits and sporting activities. His gregarious, fun-loving nature will be sorely and deeply missed by all that knew and loved him. Alan grew up in Ely and enjoyed a happy early childhood with parents Bill and Elsie and elder brother Brynley. His father sadly passed away when he was 13. At the age of 10 he developed a deep and lifelong fascination with the undersea world desiring to be a frogman - this ambition was dismissed by the Youth Employment Bureau with whom he sought work aged 15 as fanciful, like asking to go to the moon before this had been achieved. With the help of his brother, he became a plumber's apprentice with A G Somers, after work cycling to Maindy Baths to train with British Sub Aqua Club before later joining the Navy. He was then in a position to follow his dreams and pursue a career as a diver. He travelled the world as a deep-sea diver undertaking groundbreaking experimental work in this field, a specialist in underwater hull maintenance he quickly rose to the position of senior diver for many years working for Maritime Engineering Services. Alan was confirmed at Llandaff Cathedral in 2015, regularly attended St Illtud’s Church in Llantwit Major until the pandemic and was known to the congregation of All Saints in Barry. He enjoyed his philosophical chats with Rev Kev. Alan cared deeply about others, he was involved in various charities raising money for the orphanages in Romania, for research into the treatment of leukaemia through the charity LATCH, he took part in many fancy dress fun run events in support of the British Heart Foundation, Barnardo's and TENOVUS. Alan had so many interests in life ranging from cycling, swimming and running. He loved sea kayaking, ice climbing and bushcraft. He studied navigation of the sea, mycology, religious theology, ancient history and was a keen photographer of the natural world. Until the very end Alan spoke of having "just one more adventure" in the great outdoors he loved so much. He leaves behind a family devastated by their loss, his children Deborah, Sharon, Erika, Claire and Steven, grandchildren Izaak, Dillon, Sean, Sol, Lucy and Thomas, great grandson Dylan, his partner Jane and her children Erin and Joe. Alan received a direct cremation and in lieu of flowers we ask for donations to be made to The British Heart Foundation. Alan, Dad, Pa, Pappy we cherish your memory and will miss you always.
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