Sept. 5, 1942 – October 11, 2012
at the age of 70 years
Celebration of Life: Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012 10:00 a.m.
Salmon Arm Legion, Branch #62
Born September 5, 1942 in Stettler, Alberta, Grew up in Calgary. He passed away on October 11, 2012 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital after being admitted on October 1st. He was grateful for the time he spent at home during his illness, being tended to by his long-time companion and friend, Ruth, and with the help of their two dear friends, Liz Rasmuson and Sheila Halverson. Thankfully, he was not aware of his illness until last May, and had been able to carry on with many of activities until June 1st. Remarkably he had never been ill, or in need of medical attention prior to this illness.
Allen is survived by his companion and best friend, Ruth Keskinen, his daughters, Dana Jones, and Karen (Gerry) Babin, his sister, Clarice Cardinall of Edmonton, AB, Bill Jones Anglemont, BC, Elaine (Alfons) Schuh, Calgary, AB, Don (Naida) Jones, of Calgary, Lori (Greg) Saunders of Vernon, BC. The children and families of Ruth Keskinen: Stig, Jr. (Paula) Keskinen, Kit (Warren)Hobbs, Lila (Val) Cugini, Rita (Darren) Eley, and their children and grandchildren, all of whom considered by Allen to be his extended “family”… He will also be missed by Tiki, his adopted dog.
He was predeceased by his mother, Helen, his father, Elmer, sister Linda Jones and Mel (Val) Jones, and Bonnie (wife of Bill Jones).
Allen was the owner of his own business, New Home Plans.net and advertised his company and house plans monthly with Friday AM. He had a high quality website – newhomeplans.net (still active) for which he won international awards. He was self-taught with computers and even learned how to read and write code. Most of his house plans were ordered by U.S.A.clients, (one of the homes he designed, when built, was valued at $5 million). He got orders for his work from as far away as Dubai, South Africa, and other foreign countries. His pride and joy locally was in designing the Salmon Arm Legion.
Prior to his home design business he had a successful sign company in Salmon Arm and many of his signs were so well done, they are still in use today. He was a born artist and painted murals both in the former Salmon Arm Hotel pub and dining room. He also loved doing cartoons and creating crossword puzzles. He had a brilliant mind.
Allen was an active Legion member, volunteering to sell poppies, wrap Christmas presents to be placed under the tree annually and supporting the Legion however else he could. He valued his family and friends. One his favorite things to do was to socialize with fellow Legion members.
His main interests were travelling and camping, reading scientific magazines, watching sports of all kinds. His favorite team was the Calgary Flames as he said he had to stay loyal to them after his move to BC in the 1980’s. He also supported the Calgary Stampeders, but next on his list was the BC Lions and Vancouver Canucks (unless they were playing Calgary).
Special thanks to Dr. C.A. Welder who had such a caring attitude and thoughtfulness towards Allen. He was so efficient in carrying out the necessary procedures, and it was very much appreciated; also to the nursing staff at Shuswap Lake Hospital for always going the extra mile.
Donations may be sent to Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #62.
As his daughter I was very proud of the man he was. Yet even more proud to be such a huge part of his caregiving and fullfillung his last wishes on earth to make him comfortable in his last moments of life. I thank God for allowing me to be the best nurse I can and could be for my one any only father whome I love and still love so much.
Dear Ruth
My condolences go out to you! I remember well the good working relationship Werner and I had with Allan as he prepared the plans for our Summit Restaurant and street sign.
I know how so very DIFFICUULT it is to lose a good partner and friend !!! As you probably know, Werner too died recently. I would welcome getting together sometime and support each other in our grieving process. ♥ Gudie
I am so very sad that my Mom has lost her best friend and companion. Al was very much a part of our family…and he will be dearly missed. I will remember his laugh and the joy on his face when he got the Purple People Eater toy at our family’s fun Christmas gift exchange. Memories to treasure.
Uncle Allen will be missed. He was a kind and wonderful person and I cherish the many memories that I have of him, especially when I was younger. He always made me laugh. Thank you Ruth for giving him so many happy years.
We were so sorry to hear of Allens passing. He shall certainly be missed by friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all he has left to remember his kind and wonderful life….Wish we could have gotten to see him, but sometimes time does not allow everything we would like to do. I do remember past times when we would visit Uncle Elmers farm – what fun we had!!! Would certainly like to meet with some of you in the B.C. terriroty. Please keep me in touch!!
Words can never say how much I will miss my brother Allen. While I will miss him every day, I am so thankful to my granddaughter, Barbara and my daughter, Jackie, for taking me out to visit him at the end of August. He was very ill but he made a valiant effort to be up and about and he was cheerful as he could be and to have supper with us and our brother, Bill, at the restaurant. We talk about that visit almost every day. Poor Tiki will miss him as much as the rest of us!! Thanks to Ruth for her loving care of Allen and to her friends for caring enough to help her out. Thanks also to our sister, Elaine and her son, Rick, for being with Allen during his last two days and to Elaine for being the last person to speak to him. Allen’s death has left a big whole in the heart of our family and we will never forget him.
Clarice
I am going to miss Allen’s sense of humour the most, I think. I will remember Allen with much fondness. He was a very caring and kind hearted person and about the best artist I ever knew. Allen had such an amazing talent.
Val and I are so sad that Allen is gone…… and I am very sad that my Mom has lost her best friend.
Our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Ruth, Allens daughters, sisters, brothers, other family members and friends. The last time we saw Allen was at our Jones family reunion held at the Westwoods Community Center in the early 1990’s. So I (Doris) was very pleased when Allen contacted me a couple of years ago on FaceBook. It was such a pleasure to hear from him and to catch up abit on family news. We are so sorry for your loss and when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. We know Allen has left many beautiful treasures for all of you.
Love and hugs always, Fred and Doris.
My heartfelt sympathy to all family and friends of Allen’s. Although I had been out of touch with Allen for the last several years I remember staying with and playing with Clarice and him many times when they lived on the farm. Those are such good memories. It sounds as though Allen grew into an very interesting and caring man. I wish I had known him as an adult.
Hugs to you all,
Muriel