Obituary of Dr. Bob Allen
Robert “Bob” William Allen, DVM, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 17, 2024, in Prince Albert, SK at the age of 73. Bob is pre-deceased by his parents Keitha Allen (2005), Sydney “Syd” Allen (2009), and his nephew Derek Allen (2021).
Bob was the fourth of six children born to Syd and Keitha Allen. He was raised on the family farm three miles south of Abernethy, SK alongside siblings John, Doug, Jim, Sandra, and Greg. Bob’s childhood days were of a simpler time filled with hard work doing chores, fixing fence or the machinery, haying in the summer in the heat, tending livestock, chickens, and bees, roaming the coulees behind the house, and visiting grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
After graduating high school at age 17, he was out the door and off into the world. He joined a crew of like-minded Saskatchewan kids to venture into custom harvesting in the United States, he continued to work hard and managed to play harder. His continuing adventures found him working underground in gold mines in the North and as a farm labourer. Regardless of where he was, Bob always returned to his childhood home to help on the family farm.
He attended the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, going back a few years later to obtain his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1981. He began his career in private practice alongside his brother Doug for approximately eight years in Prince Albert and area, finding the job rewarding. He genuinely enjoyed the producers he met while taking care of their livestock, making many acquaintances and lifelong friends along the way.
A career shift happened when he left private practice to work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to have more time for family. What he thought would be a temporary change that would turn into twenty plus years. Upon leaving the CFIA, he worked for a summer as a farm hand, then took a turn with Habitat for Humanity. But veterinary medicine would prove difficult to let go, and he opened an ambulatory vet practice, once again serving the producers and friends he previously had done before retiring once and for all.
He never forgot where he came from, who raised him, or the values that were instilled as a young man growing up on the family farm. When people would ask him about himself, he would almost always reply, “I’m just a plough boy.” Beneath a humble demeanour and attentive ear, Bob had a clever wit rich with adages, a warm laugh, and a self-motivated talent for games and sport - all of which he generously shared with family and friends. He was a man of few words, but a man of great integrity. Qualities that he has passed down to his sons.
Bob is survived by his wife Jill and the family that filled him with such joy.
His three sons: Chris (daughter Lucy); Ryan (wife Heather, daughters Josie and Clara); and Jay (wife Madison).
His siblings: Brothers: John (Betty), Doug (Aleta), Jim (Della), Sandra, Greg (Ida), and their families.
His in-laws: Mother-in-law: Joan, Sisters-in-law: Colleen (Rick), Cheryl, Tami (Darcy), Lori (Bob), Shari (Kevin) and their families.
A pillar of our family, you will forever remain in our hearts. We love you.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Bob’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests everyone to speak with their family doctor on the importance of completing regular Cancer screenings.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Tracy-Lynn Lenchuk, Funeral Director, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322.
