10/06/2025
The entire Joely Bear family is devastated to hear of the passing of our friend and most loyal and vocal supporter Rabbi Alan Plancey.
Alan was instrumental in the success of the Joely Bear Blood Days, insisting that we host them at his synagogue, encouraging the donation of bread for post donation sandwiches, and together with his wife Miriam, enlisting a team of volunteers to make fresh tuna, egg, jam and other fillers - all without cost to Joely Bear.
After his retirement from Borehamwood Shul , he still made a point of ensuring he attended every Joely Bear event, if only for a few moments between other commitments, but he always had time to chat with blood donors, NHS Blood Donation staff and volunteers.
We first met Alan on the morning we lost our dear Joel when he arrived unannounced and just spent time with us offering, in his inimitable style, his wonderful words of comfort.
He knew we were not members of his synagogue, but that mattered not one bit to him. In 30+ years he never made any issue of that and was a great friend and support not only to Joely Bear but also to us as a family.
He is best summed up by a tribute from councilor Graeme Alexander that he always found the right words for the occasion.
He was truly one in a million and we are all that much poorer at his passing. We wish long life to Miriam, Meir and all the family.
