Obituary for William Robert "Bill" Allen
ALLEN, William Robert “Bill” – Passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday June 7, 2023, at the age of 77. Beloved husband of the late Jean Allen (2018). Loving father of Charlene (Derek) Nickles, Christine (Michael) Halle and Kathryn (Matthew) Catherwood. Proud Pop of Skyler, Reese, Nolan and Levi. Big brother of Barry (Mary) Allen and Stephanie (Steve) Fournier. Uncle Bill is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews.
Bill was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1945. At the age of one, he travelled to Canada aboard the Queen Mary in his war bride mother’s arms. He arrived at the historical Pier 21 in Halifax, where they continued their journey by train. Bill grew up in Sarnia, Ontario and the family settled in Niagara Falls in 1956. Niagara Falls was home, and Bill is as much a part of the city’s history as the Falls themselves. It was here that at the age of 17, on the tennis court at Princess Margaret, he met Jeannie- the love of his life.
Bill began his teaching career with Niagara Catholic District School Board where he was fondly known as “Mr. A”. He was popular and well liked by his students, teaching mathematics and coaching intramural sports. Bill taught at Georges P. Vanier (1968 – 1982), Sacred Heart (1982 – 1984) and Mary Ward (1984 – 1999). He retired from teaching at the young age of 53. Bill began his second career with Performance Toyota (1999 – 2008) where he was able to share his love and knowledge of cars with so many. His sense of humour, easy going nature and sociability made him the perfect salesman. He loved running into former students and colleagues. Bill was genuine in all his interactions, a true people person.
Bill was an avid sports fan. He cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Bills. He could speak at length about players and stats. His knowledge was astounding. Bill held season tickets to the Niagara Ice Dogs. He enjoyed attending the games and following the players careers. Bill loved to participate in sports. For years, he enjoyed bowling on Monday nights at Cataract and golfing in the men’s league at Pen Lakes. Bill was passionate about golfing and would be on the course as often as he could. He will be greatly missed by his “golf buddies”. Bill also enjoyed playing hockey at Gale with the 70+ pond hockey group. This was another group of friends Bill was very thankful for; he will be missed on the ice. Dad loved poker nights with his friends and “shootin’ the breeze” over a Timmy’s coffee. But his heart was fullest when at the rink watching the Niagara Falls Flyers, or the Southern Tier Admirals. Even when his illness was worst, he listened to the Niagara Falls Falcons games live stream; and cheered for his favourite second baseman.
Bill’s courage, strength and positivity was unwavering during the course of his diagnosis and subsequent battle. He was determined to beat the cancer as he “had too much to live for.” He fought so hard; inspired by his young grandchildren and their bright futures. Dad is our hero. We are so proud of him. One day at a time, he will always be in our minds and our hearts.
Bill’s daughters wish to thank Jen, Lisa and Angie from St. Joe’s. Also, Megan and Pam from St. Elizabeth’s and Barb and Diane from Niagara North FHT. Bill and family were also very thankful for all his caring and thoughtful neighbours who looked out for him always and until his very last day.
Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to MORSE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 5917 Main Street, Niagara Falls on Sunday June 11, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. A private family service will take place at a later date. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to MS Society of Canada or Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Memories, photos, and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com.
Bill was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1945. At the age of one, he travelled to Canada aboard the Queen Mary in his war bride mother’s arms. He arrived at the historical Pier 21 in Halifax, where they continued their journey by train. Bill grew up in Sarnia, Ontario and the family settled in Niagara Falls in 1956. Niagara Falls was home, and Bill is as much a part of the city’s history as the Falls themselves. It was here that at the age of 17, on the tennis court at Princess Margaret, he met Jeannie- the love of his life.
Bill began his teaching career with Niagara Catholic District School Board where he was fondly known as “Mr. A”. He was popular and well liked by his students, teaching mathematics and coaching intramural sports. Bill taught at Georges P. Vanier (1968 – 1982), Sacred Heart (1982 – 1984) and Mary Ward (1984 – 1999). He retired from teaching at the young age of 53. Bill began his second career with Performance Toyota (1999 – 2008) where he was able to share his love and knowledge of cars with so many. His sense of humour, easy going nature and sociability made him the perfect salesman. He loved running into former students and colleagues. Bill was genuine in all his interactions, a true people person.
Bill was an avid sports fan. He cheered for the Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Bills. He could speak at length about players and stats. His knowledge was astounding. Bill held season tickets to the Niagara Ice Dogs. He enjoyed attending the games and following the players careers. Bill loved to participate in sports. For years, he enjoyed bowling on Monday nights at Cataract and golfing in the men’s league at Pen Lakes. Bill was passionate about golfing and would be on the course as often as he could. He will be greatly missed by his “golf buddies”. Bill also enjoyed playing hockey at Gale with the 70+ pond hockey group. This was another group of friends Bill was very thankful for; he will be missed on the ice. Dad loved poker nights with his friends and “shootin’ the breeze” over a Timmy’s coffee. But his heart was fullest when at the rink watching the Niagara Falls Flyers, or the Southern Tier Admirals. Even when his illness was worst, he listened to the Niagara Falls Falcons games live stream; and cheered for his favourite second baseman.
Bill’s courage, strength and positivity was unwavering during the course of his diagnosis and subsequent battle. He was determined to beat the cancer as he “had too much to live for.” He fought so hard; inspired by his young grandchildren and their bright futures. Dad is our hero. We are so proud of him. One day at a time, he will always be in our minds and our hearts.
Bill’s daughters wish to thank Jen, Lisa and Angie from St. Joe’s. Also, Megan and Pam from St. Elizabeth’s and Barb and Diane from Niagara North FHT. Bill and family were also very thankful for all his caring and thoughtful neighbours who looked out for him always and until his very last day.
Cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to MORSE & SON FUNERAL HOME, 5917 Main Street, Niagara Falls on Sunday June 11, 2023 from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm. A private family service will take place at a later date. In keeping with Bill’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to MS Society of Canada or Canadian Tire Jumpstart. Memories, photos, and condolences may be shared at www.morseandson.com.