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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ALLEN, James Daniel H. (Jim) - Age 81, of Port Greville, Cumberland County, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully in the early hours on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born and raised in Joggins, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Daniel and Elizabeth (Gray) Allen. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 53 years, Ruth Allen. He was the strong, loving father to his cherished daughter, Andrea (John McKay), Ottawa and the gentle giant “Buppie” to his grandchildren, Courtney (Scott Ashton), Toronto; Bronwen, Ottawa; and Sutton, Ottawa - the pride and joys of his life. He is survived by his adoring sisters, Sandi (Alan Cooper), Joggins; Jean (Murray Berry), Onslow; and predeceased by his sister, Joan. He leaves behind loved family, loving nieces, nephews along with good friends and neighbours, and of course, his fur baby, Gertie. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jim served with the Royal Canadian Air Force for over 20 years whereby he travelled around the world including Greenland, Northern and Continental Europe, South America and the Caribbean keeping the Sea King helicopters and Argus planes in the air. Two of his military highlights were serving aboard the HMCS Huron during the time of the Queen’s Jubilee Review in 1977, and visiting the Royal Aviation Museum in Ottawa and climbing aboard one of the actual Argus planes he serviced for many years. After his last posting in Shearwater he settled back in Port Greville where he served with Correctional Service Canada through Scott Paper Intl. and learned the backwoods trails like the back of his hand and became an avid woodsman. Jim passed on his knowledge of the backwoods to his grandson, Sutton through many adventures along the trails on the 4 wheeler. He also served as FPW fire chief for a time and was the owner for 10 years at Allen's General Store in Port Greville, along with his wife, Ruth where he became a fond member of the community. Many a slice of wax bologna, scoops of ice cream, hunks of "rat" cheese and countless bags of penny candy were sold along with a strong brew of coffee and tall tales.
Jim was an avid collector of stamps, coins, MacAskill photos and victims from his amazing bridge and cribbage skills. He had a penchant for reading as many books as he could from cover to cover. No story, no style was forbidden as long as it was a good read. One of his truly proud hobbies was spending a year building a scaled Victorian Home for his grandaughters, Courtney and Bronwen. Jim loved sports including golf, hockey, football (Go 49ers) but especially Judo which on multiple times he was the Nova Scotia champion in the early 60’s. He also was the biggest fan of Big Bang Theory. Not a night would pass by without at least one episode watched. Even when he went to Portugal for a month with his daughter, Andrea, he managed to find the show much to Andreas delight!
In his later years, he also thoroughly enjoyed his travels with his loving daughter, Andrea and family, where he travelled to such places as the Caribbean, Portugal, Spain, Newfoundland and several cruises. The memories experienced on these adventures will be lovingly cherished.
His family wants Jim’s kindness, grit and strength to be remembered as his true legacy. For his family and close friends, he was a place of silent but trusted comfort and security. He was a ‘safe haven’ for those he held dear. A true family man, who had a sharp memory of special family outings and events from over the years. Jim was also known to most for his ‘off-the-cuff’ sense of humour, lovingly described as “sweet and salty.” Most of what he said started with a smirk and ended with a laugh. You never knew what he was going to say next. Although Jim will be missed immensely by his family and friends, we can all truly find some solace in the fact that he is now once again together with his soul mate, Ruth; the loss of who he could never fully mend since her passing. "You’re finally reunited with your dancing partner."
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Lewellyn, Dr. Surrette, Dr. Henderson, the nurses and support staff of the 3rd floor Colchester East Hants Health Care Centre where Jim spent his last few months, for their care, kindness, empathy and compassion shown to him. The family would also like to thank the VON and Cumberland Homecare services for their many years of exceptional care of Jim.
A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 11am at the Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fox River, Pastor David Forbes officiating. Reception will follow at the FPW Community Centre (Fire Hall), Port Greville. All are Welcome! Donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fox River or to the FPW Fire Hall.
Do
not stand at my grave and weep
Ships served in: HMCS HURON - Served in HURON in 1977
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