Obituary of Keith Allen

KEITH ALBERT "TEACHER" ALLEN B.A., M.Ed., D.Ed. Passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014 at Scarborough General Hospital from complications arising from a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Keith is survived by, Elsa, his loving wife of 52 years; his devoted and admiring sons Brian (Paula-Mae), Mervyn (Camille), Andre (Susan) and Roger (Smriti); and his ten grandchildren on whom he doted: Zachary, Christopher, Naomi, Gregory, Maya, Zoe, Anika, Julian, Neel and Adrienne. Keith was born in Mount James, Jamaica to Allan Allen and Abigail Henry. His passion was education and he taught school for many years before accepting the principalship of Alston Secondary School in rural Clarendon, Jamaica - a position from which he could work to improve the minds and prospects of underprivileged young people. This gave him enormous satisfaction. After immigrating to Canada and achieving his doctorate, Keith worked as a lecturer and senior administrator for the Transitional Year Program at the University of Toronto, at which institution he was a tenured faculty member. He was universally revered by his students. Teacher Allen will be remembered for an extraordinary intellect, a wonderful sense of humour, a genuine affability and a deep generosity of spirit. Keith's faith in man led him to try to influence in a positive way every life that he touched. His faith in God led him to hope for Heaven. Daddy, you will be missed for as long as those you leave behind are able to draw breath. Thank you for every moment we were blessed to spend with you. Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 from 5-9 p.m. at Ogden Funeral Home, 4164 Sheppard Ave. East, Scarborough. The Funeral Service will held on Thursday, March 6, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 10 Washburn Way (just off Sheppard Ave., East of Markham Rd. in Scarborough). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Society Canada.