ALLEN, WAYNE EDWARD

       On Thursday August 26th, 2021, Wayne Allen, passed away peacefully at the age of 54 in his home with his wife Pat and sons, Braedan and Griffin by his side.  Even years of living with cancer couldn’t shake his faith in God or put a dent in his positive outlook on life.  

          Wayne lived in this part of Simcoe County his entire life; born in Minesing, receiving elementary and secondary education while living in Elmvale, graduating with a history degree from the University of Waterloo, and obtaining his teaching degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.  

           He returned to Simcoe County for a teaching career that included five years at Penetang Secondary School, ten years at Orillia ODCVI and fifteen years at his ‘educational home’, Elmvale District High School.  He was a historian, re-enactor, outstanding track and field, flag football, and volleyball coach, and mentor for new teachers.  He made a monumental contribution to the community; as hockey coach, softball coach, and a leader of the EDHS contribution to the Fall Fair - “Yay, Pirates!” 

          Wayne, Pat and the boys travelled extensively in summers, often camping with his brother’s family (Rodger, Vicki, Michael and Daniel), his sister’s family (Carol and John Watson, Zachary and Erin) and his parents (George and Ruth Allen) and occasionally his mother-in-law (Marg Sullivan) at some distant location. Wayne, ever the historian, gave free family lessons on the areas through which he passed and collected artifacts for his extensive collection.  He was well equipped to dress some of his students up in ‘historical garb’ when teaching about Canada and the U.S.  He is survived also by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law (Kathy Sullivan and Craig Boyle).  

    A visitation will be held at the Lynn-Stone Funeral Home in Elmvale on Sunday, August 29 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm and on Monday, August 30 from 4-6 pm followed by a Celebration of Life at Connexus Church 20 Mills Road in Barrie at 7 pm.

Please register to attend the Service (in person) on Monday; https://connexuschurch.com/wayneallen.

The Celebration of Life Service will be live streamed as well and can be accessed on Monday at the link above.

Wayne provided inspiration and insight for those trying to make their dreams come true;

He showed the value of using teamwork and demonstrated that love could be the glue that keeps us together during stormy times and provides a comfort we can share, and when the clouds have parted, the promise of better days ahead is seen in the rainbow there.

The love that enfolded Wayne’s relationships reappeared at his doorstep during his declining health from many family, friends, neighbours, colleagues and students:

A testament to how highly Wayne was regarded.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society Canadian Cancer Society or Royal Victoria Hospital Donate Now - Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation (rvh.on.ca)

Please notify Lynn-Stone Funeral Home via lynnstone@sympatico.ca (donor name and address) of your donation so that the family can be notified of your generosity.