December 25, 1936 – November 24, 2023
at the age of 86 years:
With great sadness we announce that on November 24, 2023 Allen left this world, lighting up the skies for us all with an incredible sunrise, and made his way to heaven.
Allen is survived by his loving wife Joan, his daughter Lianne (Brent) and son Kristopher (Leslie) as well as his grandchildren Alexander, Braydon, Graham and Rielle.
Born on Christmas Day 1936 in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Allen was the first of 7, all boys, born to George and Elmina Hein. As a family they moved several times before settling in Fort St. John, where he lived and worked for his father in a sawmill. At 22 he joined the Royal Canadian Airforce and trained as a Radar Technician. He was incredibly proud of his Airforce career and told countless stories of his adventures, friends, challenges and accomplishments.
Once married he and his new bride, Joan, set off on their biggest adventure, pulling a single wide mobile home from Calgary, Alberta to Moisie, Quebec where they were stationed and eventually had their first child, Lianne. After leaving the Forces they moved to northern BC where their son Kristopher joined, and completed, their family.
After a few moves and career changes, they ended up living in the lower mainland, but when it came time for both he and Joan to retire, the Shuswap caught their eye and their hearts, and in 2000 they worked together to build their retirement home in Anglemont. Shortly after moving, Allen also found his spiritual home at St. David’s Anglican Church in Celista, where he served as a lay minister. This was where he realized his true passion, among the wonderful community of St David’s.
Allen was a man who loved his desserts, dark beer, and good scotch. He enjoyed a warm campfire, debating theology and playing computer solitaire. He had a soft spot for puppies, cuddly cats, babies and a good sermon.
Most of all, he loved his family fiercely and found his deepest joy in their being together.
A memorial will be held in the spring at St. David’s church.
Thinking about Allen, his new journey, and his family. Although I only met Allen a few times, my memories are of a kind, creative, and loving person.