ALLAN MOORE A

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ALLAN MOORE A good man has left us. A very good man. Quietly and peacefully, Allan Moore slipped away on January 6, 2007 after he could no longer conquer the ailments that afflicted him in recent years. Allan was a man of courage, conviction and compassion. The youngest child in a family of modest means, he was the first with the good fortune to go to university. His resolute determination led to a successful and accomplished career as a CA. Perhaps the highest tribute was paid to him just over a year ago when the Manitoba Institute of Chartered Accountants honoured Allan with their Lifetime Achievement Award. Allan's achievements were not limited to the workplace. Always mindful of his roots and grateful for his successes, he strongly believed that it was equally important to give back to the community. He devoted himself tirelessly to volunteering his talents and energy to enrich the lives of others. The list of charities and institutions in Winnipeg to which he devoted his efforts is lengthy - the Manitoba Opera, L'Arche, the Blue Bombers, to name just a few. Among his most notable achievements was as Chairman of the United Way campaign in 1973. But the most important part of Allan's story has nothing to do with public accomplishments. It's about the man he was - loving, caring, always possessed of unwavering good humour, a strong moral compass and an unending concern for others. His warmth and spirit, like his smile and the twinkle in his blue Irish eyes, was ever present. The sun could be shining or the storm clouds rolling in. It didn't matter. He lived his life with an unquenchable and infectious optimism. His sails always found the wind, even when it seemed there was none. As a young man, he crossed paths with an effervescent young woman who had moved from Greece to his hometown of Hamilton. That woman was Vivian, his wife and soulmate for the next 52 years. Early in their marriage they moved west and put down roots in Winnipeg. They lived life fully, travelling the world and touching down on every continent on the planet. Together they would light up any room they entered and their very obvious love and affection for each other was an inspiration for others. Allan will also be remembered warmly by his wide circle of friends - childhood chums from Hamilton, neighbours, extended family, golfing buddies, fellow Victoria Beach cottagers, business associates - for his uncompromising and unconditional friendship. He was a man they loved, respected and trusted. And deeply loved he was by those closest. His wife Vivian, who passed away in 2005. His sons, Paul and David; Paul's wife Susan Swan and David's partner Alfredo Rodriguez, and his adored and adoring grandsons, Graydon and Jonathan. Allan is survived by his sister Thelma of Hamilton and was predeceased by his brother Lloyd of Burlington. To a very good man, we say our farewell. Not through tears of grief but with thanks and love for bestowing on us the great fortune of being part of your life. All of us are so much richer for it, and there is truly no greater legacy. A private funeral will be held in Toronto followed by an interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery with Vivian. At the family's request, no flowers please. But you can honour Allan with a donation to the Parkinson Society of Canada at 1-800-565-3000 or www.parkinson.ca. Cards and letters can be sent directly to family or through Humphrey Funeral Home, 1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4G 3A8.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2007