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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
COOLEN, Allan Edward - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Allan Edward Coolen (of Fox Point, Nova Scotia), our beloved husband, father and “Opa” (grandfather). He died in his home, which he built, surrounded by his family on Friday August 26, 2022 after a brief and tragic battle with cancer.
Allan was known for his kindness, sense of humor, and love and devotion to his family and his community. He loved people and went out of his way to connect with and help others. He lived a full life and had many adventures and careers that he spoke of fondly. He was proud to have served his country honorably in the Royal Canadian Navy for several years. He was a trained Biomedical Engineer, working in 13 hospitals around the Maritimes, but most of his working life was dedicated to his love of carpentry. He built over 50 homes in 3 countries and renovated countless more. He generously shared his knowledge and time with his family and community well after his retirement. Allan loved children and youth (and when they mistook him for Santa Claus). He was a dedicated volunteer in the school system for 17 years and treasured his daily routine of taking his youngest grandsons to Shatford Memorial Elementary School over these past 3 years. He has instilled in his family his love of nature, fishing, gardening, music, air guitar, dancing (the Funky Chicken lives on), and reading. He saw every experience as an opportunity for learning and imparted countless life lessons onto those around him. Allan will live on in our hearts through the many cherished memories we hold and will be profoundly missed every day.
Allan is survived by his most-beloved wife and best friend, Kornelia Coolen, and his 5 children, Vickie (Glenn) Coolen, Alana (Simon) Coolen, Megan (Chris) Barry, Jameson Coolen and Kristofer (Selena) Coolen. He leaves behind his 9 grandchildren, Dylan, Austin and Cameron Coolen, Adrastea and Tiberius Slade, Corran Squire, and Maddox, Asher and Rory Barry. He also leaves behind his 3 siblings, Linda Coolen, Corinne Manuel and Scott Coolen. Allan was predeceased by his firstborn son, Michael Coolen, his father, Percy “Lee” Coolen, his mother, Lila Marcella “Marcie” Joudrey, and his brother, Arthur Coolen.
We are forever grateful to the South Shore Palliative Care team and to the many exceptional VON nurses who supported Allan during his illness, making it possible for him to spend his final days at home with his loved ones.
A celebration of Allan’s life will be held in October 2022 – details to follow. In Allan’s memory, the family asks that donations be made to Hope for Wildlife, VON, or the South Shore Palliative Care Service.
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