June 04, 1926 -
October 23, 2004
Allan was born in 1926 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, the youngest of four children of George and Jane Hay. He grew up on the family farm at Duncairn, just south of Swift Current, and farming was his first love. He often talked of working the horse teams, machinery and fields for his father and uncles. Allan was educated at Duncairn and graduated from high school in Swift Current. Being the youngest, Allan knew that the family farm would never be his so he entered a Carpenter’s Apprenticeship, receiving his Journeyman’s Certificate.
Allan met and married Edith Reader of Indian Head, Saskatchewan in 1951 and they left for B.C. in 1956, with three children in tow, eventually settling in Ladysmith in 1957 where they were fortunate to have a fourth child. In 1963, after a long battle, Edith succumbed to cancer at the age of 32. Allan raised their four children on his own with love, courage and unselfishness. He was, is and will forever be their hero.
Allan worked as a carpenter and self-employed contractor until a serious back injury curtailed his career. He learned to cope with the disability and turned his wood working skills toward making fine, custom furniture, producing numerous outstanding artisan style pieces. He developed a passion for moose hunting and spent most summers and falls in his RV at Quesnel, near son Robin and his family.
The disease that had taken Edith came calling on Allan. He faced this adversity as he had faced all others, with courage and spirit, fighting all the way.
Allan was actively involved over the years with Fraternal Order of Eagles, Parents without Partners, St. John’s Anglican Church and the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, serving a term as president of the Nanaimo local, Volunteer Ladysmith Ambulance and Ladysmith minor league baseball. Allan was predeceased by his father George, mother Jane, sister Mary and wife Edith. He is survived by his brother Ian, sister Margaret and children Robin (Jennifer), Kim (Donna), Wendy (Warren) and Jennifer (Mike) and nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, also numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Dr. E. Fritsch and the staff of Ladysmith Hospital for their exceptional kindness.
Donations in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Cancer Society.
A reception in St. John’s Anglican Church Hall on Saturday, October 30, 2004 at 2:30 pm.