John ALLEN

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ALLEN: John Garth, September 3, 1933 – March 11, 2012. John passed away peacefully at Sunridge Place in Duncan, BC at the age of 78. In 1933 John was born in Pope, Manitoba to John (Jack) and Amy Allen. After graduating from Hamiota high school and finishing his pharmaceutical apprenticeship at Gilchrist Drug Store in Rivers, MB, John continued on to the University of Manitoba were he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and president of his graduating class (Senior Stick). During his final year in university, John married the love of his life – Shirley (nee Frame). Following graduation, John and Shirley relocated to Brandon, MB where he worked as a pharmacist at Clement’s Drug Store for a year and began to raise a family. In 1960, John’s career as an entrepreneur began with the purchase of Clement’s Drug Store. Over the next several years John established partnerships with several pharmacists – opening The Brandon Professional Building on 6th Street with the Medical Centre Pharmacy and the Allen Brown Drug Mart in the Brandon Shoppers Mall. In 1977 John, as the founding president, formed Super Thrifty Drug Marts Canada with six other pharmacists. Over the years they acquired many drug stores in rural Manitoba including the three original stores in Brandon and employed over 250 employees. While operating these successful businesses, John found time for many community endeavors including; school trustee for 6 years, Board of Governors for Brandon University for 4 years, Board of Directors for the Brandon Winter Fair, President of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, founding Chairman of the Brandon Business Improvement Area, Director of the Kinsmen Club of Brandon, member of the Canada Winter Games Committee, Masonic Lodge, the YMCA Board and on the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association. John raised funds for many organizations such as; United Way, Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, YMCA and the Brandon Wheat Kings. In 1981, John ventured into the world of politics and won the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Brandon West riding. In1984 John’s continued love of business resulted in the purchase of the James Bay Inn Hotel and Suites in Victoria, BC which is still owned and operated by family. More than a business man John was a loving husband, father and grandfather and friend. Times shared at the family cottage at Clear Lake, MB golfing, boating, playing bridge will be remembered with a smile (as well as his great handyman skills!). John was curler, a hunter and a flier! John and Shirley flew their plane for business and pleasure within Canada and across the country. John was an active member and past president of the Brandon Flying Club. John and Shirley holidayed often with their boys, friends and later on with their many grandchildren - Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, Disney world and Vegas to name a few favorites. After retiring from Super Thrifty in 1998, John and Shirley moved to Arbutus Ridge on Vancouver Island. John was the consummate gentleman. His great intelligence, wise-cracking sense of humour, genuine interest in people, and love of life was remarkable. John is survived by his wife Shirley of Cobble Hill, BC and his three sons; Ric (Pinder) from Victoria, BC, Jim (Debbie) from Calgary, AB and Michael (Christine) from Duncan, BC, his sister Isabel from Lethbridge, AB, ten grandchildren -Richard, Amy, Rajin, Jovan, Jacqui (Marc), Bree, Geoff (Kahyun), Jada, Michael Jr, Madison, four great-grandchildren (Ryder, Layla, Isaiah and Gus), John was predeceased by his brother Lawrence and his grandson Mitchell. Many thanks to all friends and family who supported John over this past year especially Al& Anne Frame who were always there to lend a hand, share a smile or express their love and kindness. A special thanks to John’s caregivers at Sunridge Place – a wonderful home away from home. For those who so desire, a donation to a charity of choice, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.A life well lived - John you will truly be missed!

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 20, 2012