Obituary of James Robert Allen

Please click here to view the livestream of the service

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful Jim – husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. Predeceased by his parents Aubrey and Alice Allen; and sisters Heather Racho (Bob) and Donna Poole (Gord). Jim leaves to mourn his wife of 48 years, Joanne; their daughter, Erin Beahm (Derek); and brother Dennis (Carole).

Born in Regina, Jim attended McNab Elementary as well as Martin and Belfour Collegiates. As a young man he was active in the Regina Rifles Reserve.  Jim and Joanne moved to Vancouver where Jim worked with his brother-in-law, Captain Bob, as a tug boat deckhand.  He and Joanne married in Vancouver, then moved back to Regina so that Jim could begin his training to become a Journeyperson Welder.  During his time as a proud member of Local 179, of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Jim served 2 terms on the Executive Board.  He was always keen to attend union meetings locally, nationally and internationally.  Jim earned several specialized welding certificates, mentored new welders, and often served on testing committees as others worked to achieve welding certifications.  Over his welding career of 40 years, his work took him to many places across the province and throughout Canada working on many projects including pipelines, power plants, refineries, mines and even the baseball bleachers at Kiwanis Little League Park.

Everyone who knew Jim would describe him as easygoing, kind, giving, soft spoken, thoughtful, and fun loving.  With a twinkle in his eye and a quick smile he was up for almost anything!  Golf was a passion and Jim enjoyed being a member of the Echo Ridge Golf Course in Fort Qu’Appelle playing in the Senior Men’s League.  An annual golfing highlight was the family golf tournament in B.C, which entailed a long weekend of golfing and much shenanigans with his brother, nephews, and many family friends.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies and activities.  Stained glass, wire sculpting, rock hounding, bowling, fishing, camping, and travelling all filled his leisure time over the years.  A 2019 bucket list Safari trip to South Africa to see the big animals had Jim over the moon.

Over the past several years Jim and Joanne spent summers out at their cottage on Mission Lake in the Fort Qu’Appelle Valley.  This certainly was their home away from home and their piece of paradise.  Because of this, it was great that Jim could spend the last several months of his life in the long-term care home, Echo Lodge, in Fort Qu’Appelle.

Over the last 3 years Jim has been cared for by many doctors, nurses, specialists and care aides.  The passion these wonderful professionals show for their jobs is truly amazing.  These very special people have cared for all of us and helped us through a challenging time.  Jim faced each obstacle as a new challenge to overcome working really hard at doing the best he could each day.  With a smile on his face, a joke for a nurse, a thank you for a care aide and a hug for his family, Jim took this last difficult journey with grace.  He passed away peacefully in his sleep for which we are grateful.

Those wishing may make a donation, in memoriam of Jim, to the Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada, 247 Harold Avenue Stouffville, ON, L4A 1C2, Echo Lodge Special Care Home, 560 Broadway St, Fort Qu'Appelle, SK S0G 1S0, the Regina Humane Society, 79 Armour Road, RM of Sherwood, SK S4K 0A8, or a charity of your choice.

A service of remembrance and Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Westminster United Church, 3025 13 Avenue, Regina, SK on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

To view the livestream of the service, please click on the link at the top of this obituary.