HERBERT CURTIS ALLEN

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

HERBERT CURTIS ALLEN It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Herbert Curtis Allen on September 18, 2012 at the age of 87 years. He was born in Winnipeg on March 8, 1925, and is survived by his wife Alice, his sisters Marion and Joyce, and his children, Linda Blix, Larry Allen (Evelyn) and Judith Baldwin (Kirk); grandchildren Tyler (Kelly) and Ashley (Nicole) Blix, Julia (Scott), Leah and Lewis Allen, and Mariah, Samuel and Jeremy Leif Baldwin; and great-grandchildren Graydon Blix, Cole Moore, and Aria Blix. Our father spent his boyhood years in West Kildonan. He experienced a true boy's adventure-type youth of sports, model airplanes, horseback riding and hunting. Almost every day he rode his bike to the countryside to follow high-flying model planes, swim in rivers, hunt prairie chickens or break horses. His love of music resulted in him borrowing one of his father's instruments and playing in orchestras and bands. His father, grandfather and great-grandfather had all been symphonic musicians in England and Winnipeg. His work in jazz bands continued as a sideline well into his adult life and provided him with the money to pursue flying lessons. At 16, he became the youngest licensed pilot in Canada. He continued to fly well into his 70s. Dad's love of the outdoors and his infectious enthusiasm for hunting and fishing included extensive involvement in the Manitoba Game and Fish Association and the predator control commission and resulted in his TV career as a host of a network outdoor show. Dad worked in the fish business for most of his career. At one point, he and our mother lived in The Pas, where he managed the fish station. Their first child, Linda, was born there. Throughout his career, he was an innovative thinker and creator of new ways to do things. His invention of a net rule is still the principle tool for net measurement throughout the world. He pioneered the movement toward colour tinted nets and more humane trap nets. He was the first Canadian distributor for fish locators that are now employed by almost all weekend fishermen. He pioneered the distribution of Manitoba fish to western and eastern Europe and Japan, winning an award from the Federal government in recognition of this work. He made friends wherever he went and was absolutely never unhappy. He loved life, believed it should be fun and everything he did he found enjoyable. His wife, Alice, was the love of his life. Together they travelled, camped, fished, skied and loved each other. Our father never complained about anything and made frequent reference to how much he enjoyed his life and loved his wife. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and he made us feel as if we had made his day every time we telephoned or visited. His was a big spirit. We all thought that he was indestructible. Although he lived his last years with regular dialysis treatments, he turned that experience into an opportunity to make friends with all those he encountered at the St. Boniface Hospital and in the past year, the Golden Door Geriatric Centre. Our family wants to thank all the people who knew him and played a part in his life and his care. We are sure that all of you were uplifted by his indefatigable spirit. A memorial service will be held at Trinity United Church at 933 Summerside Ave. on Monday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made to The Kidney Foundation Manitoba Branch or a charity of one's choice.
Publish Date: Sep 22, 2012

HERBERT CURTIS ALLEN March 8, 1925- September 18, 2012 Herbert Curtis Allen passed away peacefully on September 18, 2012. Longer obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Sep 19, 2012

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 22, 2012