1920
2011
In Loving Memory of
Richard Brian (R.B.) Edwin Allen
June 12,1920 - December 8, 2011
Brian passed away peacefully in his 91st year on December 8, 2011 at his Pinecrest Home residence in Kenora, ON, lovingly surrounded by his family after a short illness.
He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Lilly Allen, his loving wife of 58 years Margaret Jean Allen (nee McGillivray), his only sister Sheila and brother-in-law Robert Kilpatrick and his grandson Jeffrey Allen.
Dad will be sorely missed by his five children – Barbara (Arthur) Peters of Kenora, Richard (Katharine) Allen of Dryden, Linda (Pierre) Beaulieu of St. Albert, AB, Raymond (Jill) Allen and Beverly (Charles) Ollenberger, both of Kenora. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Michael (Tammy), Murray and Andrew Peters, Jennifer Allen, Denis (Julie) and Rene Beaulieu and Dwight Allen; great grandchildren: Sawyer, Brooklyn, Carter and Cade Peters, Kylie and Ryan Beaulieu; as well as brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gordon and Jane McGillivray of Vancouver; and several nephews and numerous special friends.
R.B., as he preferred to be called, was born, raised and attended school in Winnipeg, MB. He started coming to Kenora to fish and later guide at Cardinal's Tourist Camp at Willard Lake where he developed a love for the area and later on in life was able to own a cottage on the lake there. He began working in Kenora at various jobs and soon after enlisted in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in 1941 to serve his country during WW2. He was attached to a transport section and later as a driver with the 24th Field Ambulance serving overseas in England, Italy and Holland.
After arriving home in January 1946 he soon met the love of his life, Margaret McGillivray who would later become his wife on October 23, 1948 and mother to their five children. Brian started working with the Kenora Post Office after the war and worked his way up from letter carrier to assistant postmaster and eventually postmaster in Sioux Lookout where he moved to in 1963 until his retirement from the Federal Service in 1974. While there he volunteered with the militia and teaching cadets in his spare time as well as enjoying time at their cottage on Abram Lake.
After retirement he moved his family back to their home on Rabbit Lake where he spent many happy years and continued to work part time jobs to keep busy. Brian and Marg enjoyed exploring the lakes and back roads around the local area, camping with their family and growing a garden in the summertime. In 2002 they moved into an apartment at the Gardner Block and in 2005 into Pinecrest.
After Mom passed away Dad became involved with the local dragon tamers team and was named an honorary volunteer. He truly was happiest when watching them practice and attending their various fund raising and awareness activities. He enjoyed his excursions out for lunches with his many friends, riding the bicycle at the Rec Centre, stopping in at the Seniors' Centre, afternoons at his trailer at Hidden Trail Resort and visiting family. He made many close friends with the staff at Pinecrest as well and liked to have coffee with them. It was there that he learned to play shuffle board and through his love of the game, donated a new table for the residents to enjoy.
Brian's greatest achievement was his fierce independence and ability to drive his own vehicle until just recently. In 2010 he celebrated his 90th birthday and felt like he had achieved a goal to live that long. He thought everyone else around him was old but not himself!
Brian was a very generous man & supported many charities. He was a member of the Canadian Order of Foresters & a 60+ year member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 12.
A Service of Remembrance will be held in the Auditorium at Pinecrest on Thursday, December 15, 2011 at 10:30 am. with Pastor Robert Wittmeier officiating, with a luncheon to follow the service. Private family interment to follow.
Donations if so desired may be made to the Kenora Dragon Tamers, Pinecrest Auxilliary or a charity of one's choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
8 Entries
January 7, 2012
Allyson Lucas
Even thought it was a LONG time ago, I have fond memories of both your Mom and Dad.
December 14, 2011
Diana Jardine
Was so sorry to hear of the passing of Brian. I first met Brian at Pinecrest and then at New Horizons where he was a regular visitor. He always had a story and we looked forward to his stopping in. We would always comment that "age is only a number".
Deepest Sympathy to the family.
Diana Jardine
December 14, 2011
Deepest Sympathy to the Peters Family (Andy) from the Lamke
Family in Thunder Bay.
December 14, 2011
Sorry to hear of Mr. Allen's death. Wanted his family to know how much I liked and admired him. Will miss his smiling face. Anita Rasmussen
December 13, 2011
Pat & George Goertzen
We will miss Brian's visits at Hidden Trail Resort this summer. He loved a good joke or story and had an obvious love of people. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
December 13, 2011
Irene Milligan
Brian was our friend, supporter and inspiration to the Dragon Tamers. He embraced us with an open heart, followed all our activities and recored them in the four albums. His presence and enthusiasm will be greatly missed by all of us.
December 12, 2011
Michele Grafham
We will really miss Brian waiting at the dock with a smile and his camera in hand.He has been a generous and wonderful supporter of our Dragon Tamer Team. It was a pleasure to have made his aquaintance.
December 12, 2011
Linda Bowman
To The Allen Family, your dad was a pleasure to know .l had the opportunity to hear many of his life stories and what a wonderful life he lived. He will be missed. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Linda Bowman
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
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Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre429 2nd Street South, Kenora, ON P9N1G7
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