With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Leonard Keith Allen on February 14, 2025. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side.
Keith was born in Emo, Ontario, on July 27, 1938, to Len and Dorothy Allen. He arrived four and a half years after his brother and best friend, Earl. Keith attended primary school in Emo and high school in Fort Frances, where he met the love of his life, Donna (née Sand), whom he married in 1958.
At just 17 years old, Keith began working for the railroad in Emo. He and Donna later moved to Atikokan, where Keith worked for Caland Ore. It was there that they started their family, welcoming their son Brent in 1959 and daughter Lynne in 1962. In 1967, they relocated to Thunder Bay, where Keith became the Manager of the Spence Clinic, a role he held until retirement. He was an exceptional leader, as attested to by employees, coworkers, and friends. Even in his final year at St. Joseph’s and Roseview Manor, he could often be found near the front desk, ensuring the nurses and staff were on top of their work.
Keith had a lifelong love of sports, a passion he passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was an accomplished fastball player, earning the nickname “Dinger,” a skilled curler who played alongside some of the best in the city, and an avid golfer. He took great joy in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, cheering them on in soccer, skiing, sailing, and hockey.
Keith and Donna shared many wonderful trips with family and friends, visiting places like Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Norway. They especially cherished their annual visits to Florida to see Keith’s brother Earl and sister-in-law Elaine, as well as Thanksgiving trips to Ottawa to spend time with Brent’s family.
Keith is survived by his loving wife, Donna; son Brent (Anna); daughter Lynne (Rick); grandchildren Mitchell, Curtis (Alana), Whitney (Sal), and Connor (Rhys); and great-grandchildren Parker and Rylee. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Elaine, brother-in-law Brent, sister-in-law Betty, nephews Brian and Bill, great-niece Morgan, and numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Len and Dorothy, and his brother Earl.
A celebration of Keith’s life will be held in the spring of 2025, with details to be announced. Following cremation, he will be laid to rest in Emo Cemetery, returning to the place where his journey began.
The family sincerely thanks the staff at Roseview Manor for the excellent care Keith received during his stay. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Parkinson Canada.
Keith will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His love and spirit will forever remain with those he leaves behind.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central, Thunder Bay.
