Obituary of Doug Allen

Allen: Douglas It is with great love and sadness that the family of Doug Allen announce his recent passing. He was 89. Doug was born in Kingsville, Ontario, moved to Balsam Creek when he was just eight years old and spent the rest of his life living there. Doug and Muriel met when they were in grade school. Doug often said he fell in love with her in Grade 3 when he first moved to Balsam Creek. It took her a little longer to come around. The two of them shared a love that was envied and admired by their family and friends. Doug was predeceased by his wife, Muriel, in July. He is survived and missed by their children, Diane Ryan (Lorne deceased) of Hornepayne, Kurt (Marg) of Gravenhurst, Dale Odorizzi (Dan) of Perth, Paul (Katharine deceased) of Ottawa and Kim (Cathy) of Ottawa. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tana, Marni, Patrick, Britt, Dustin, Breanna, Rachel, Kyle, Cal, Cory and Megan, great grandchildren Samantha, Billy, Walker, Mallory, Kale and Nate and great great grandchildren Leo and Avery. He is survived by his younger brother, Ken and was predeceased by brothers Reg, Garnet, Les and Don and by sisters Lois, Greta and Helen. Doug started working for his father at the Allen’s Mill when he was just 16. Eventually, he started a trucking company and worked long hours to make it a success. As with everything in their lives, Muriel was an important part of the operation. In his forties, he sold the company and basically retired. After playing competitive fastball for 25 years, he took up golf. He loved to play every day, not just for 18 holes but often 36 or more. Doug started playing at the Temiscaming Club and eventually joined the North Bay Golf Club. He made seven hole in ones. The last one when he was almost 80. He even agreed to go on vacations as long as there was ample time to golf. Muriel went to craft shops and museums, Doug golfed. In the winter, he joined the North Bay Curling Club and played as often as possible. In addition to golf and curling, Doug loved to snowmobile. He was the driving force behind the creation of the local snowmobile club. He spent hours every week grooming the trails and other riders often commented that “You can tell the trails Doug Allen groomed.” Countless children aged 12 and up took the snowmobile classes that he taught and proudly carried the Snowmobile Drivers Licence he issued. Doug and Muriel loved to do things together. While Muriel had too many interests to golf every day, they spent many hours on golf courses together and with family. Doug volunteered and acted as the prime contractor on the building of the Phelps Public Library, something they worked so hard to make a reality. When Doug was 75, he started to suffer from the effects of Parkinson’s disease. Although it slowed him down a bit, he kept right on golfing, curling and snowmobiling. In the last few years, he suffered terribly from another recurring illness that drained much of his strength and made it necessary for him to use a wheelchair and go into Cassellholme. While Muriel was alive, his nephew and his wife, Neal and Carol Langill drove her regularly to visit Doug and helped keep an eye on things and provide friendship. After Muriel passed, Neal continued visiting a few times a week and Carol made sure he had the treats he loved and kept us all current on happenings. They provided both with much love and friendship for which we are all so grateful. A Celebration of Life will be held at Martyn Funeral Home on Friday January 6, 2017 from 1 to 2 pm. We welcome all of Dad’s family and friends. Over his life time, Doug showed he was not just a frequent golfer, he was pretty good. He hit 7 Holes in One, the last one when he was 81. Dad, we all love you and miss you so much and hope you are chalking up more Holes in one on the Pearly Gates Golf and Country Club and that you have finally learned how to play 500. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Parkinsons Canada or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com