Obituary of Orval Wilson Allen
Orval leaves behind his loving wife Norma of 63 years, their children and spouses Roger & Rose Allen and Kathy & Kirby Taylor. Pops is also survived by his cherished grandchildren and spouses Jason & Heather Taylor, Jonathan & Jennifer (Taylor) Smith, Christopher & Delaney (Allen) Hoage, Nathan Allen and Jesse Todorski son of Rose as well as 7 precious great-grandchildren; Oliver & Casey Taylor, Brayden, Harper & Kayden Smith, Audrey Hoage and Emeryk Todorski.
Orval was raised on a farm near Horning’s Mills, Ontario and left central District High School, Shelbourne at the age of 17 to join the Royal Bank and proudly worked for 38 years. His career from junior clerk to the last appointment as Vice President, Credit Risk Management, Alberta and Northwest Territories was a transient lifestyle that included postings in ten places in Ontario (Shelbourne, Bracebridge, Strathroy, Smithville, Niagara Falls, Hamilton (twice), Kleinberg, Sault Ste Marie, London, Toronto (twice). Also, Montreal (twice) and Calgary where he retired. He and Norma later returned to her hometown Strathroy to be closer to and enjoy their families, relatives and start new friendships.
Sports were an important and enjoyable part of his life. He played hockey, baseball, high school football, fastball, golf and curling. Orval loved to sing and dance. He and Norma were usually one of the first and last couples on the dance floor and they danced many miles in their years together. His love for music was also displayed through his joy in singing barbershop harmony style music with the Strathroy Vocal Federation Chorus for 25 years. Most of all, he treasured immediate and extended family gatherings. Orval will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many extended family members and friends.
Orval is predeceased by his parents Leaman & Leolah (Cantlon) Allen, three older siblings and their spouses; Hazen & Beth (Marshall) Allen and Kenneth & Marion (Sharpen) Allen and Joan (McCulloch) Allen and Betty & Charles McCutcheon.
In keeping with Orval’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be a private family service. Interment to follow at Strathroy Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will take place on Tuesday, December 13th from 4-7pm at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY.
Those wishing to donate in memory of Orval are asked to please consider the Salvation Army, Strathroy or the SMGH Foundation or Women’s Rural Resource Centre, Strathroy or VON Middlesex-Elgin, Strathroy or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and donations may be made at ww.strathroyfuneralhome.com
