February 20, 1944 - April 29, 2020
Welcoming, friendly, generous, caring, fun-loving, courageous, mischievous, spontaneous. Allan had an inordinate love for his family and friends. He was the Town Crier for Brentwood Bay, life member of the BC Air Museum, active participant in Central Saanich Seniors, supporter of Air Cadet Squadron 676 'Kittyhawk", and honoured member of Train Mountain in Oregon.
Allan was born in Preston, UK. Early in his life he demonstrated an innate understanding of mechanical devices. Upon graduation he was employed at Westland Helicopter and worked on hovercraft on the Isle of Wight. When Canada acquired its first hovercraft in 1970, Allan joined the institute of Ocean Sciences, Sidney, BC as an engineer and pilot of Pisces research submersibles.
Allan travelled the world for weeks, sometimes months at a time, coming home to entertain his children with stories of submersible life - underwater volcanoes, rescues, and sea creatures. His mechanical skills he transferred to creative projects for his children and grandsons, building small scale locomotives and working toys for their delight.
Allan is survived by his children Andrea, Alex, and Chantelle, their mother Elizabeth Forward; grandsons Jacob, Toryn, Jonah, Reid and Rylen; brother David; companion Margaret.
With love and respect, we thank the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital and Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their care and support of Allan during his final days and weeks.
Until time allows us to celebrate Allan together, please raise a glass to cheer this much loved ol' English gentleman.