The story of T.S. (Dudley) Allan’s life is one of adventure and accomplishment. Through his experiences he gained a cheerful, quiet confidence which touched all who knew him.
Tommy, as he was then known, was born Monday, November 7, 1927 in Philipsburg QC, the third child of Thomas and Jean Allan. After 10 idyllic years in the Eastern Townships of Québec, where his father ran a marble quarry, he moved to Montréal.
Upon graduating high school at 16, Tommy joined the Royal Canadian Navy, attending Royal Roads Military College in Victoria BC. The train he took from Québec west picked up naval cadets along its journey. The cadets were ordered to learn each other’s names by arrival in BC. One fellow told Tommy he looked like his Uncle Dudley and that’s what he would call him. The name stuck!
Dudley served with the Royal Navy in Portsmouth, England and on British ships in the Mediterranean. It was during this stint that his love of flying began. In the early 1950’s he trained with the Royal Canadian Air Force and was awarded his pilot’s wings. Dudley returned to England and earned his aircraft carrier deck landing qualifications. Jet pilot training followed and in 1958 Dudley undertook test pilot training with the US Navy in Patuxent River, MD. He served in a number of staff positions including leadership in the Hydrofoil and Long Range Patrol Aircraft (Aurora) projects. Rear Admiral Allan ended his military career as Chief of Engineering and Maintenance and retired in 1978.
A civilian career in high tech followed. Dudley served as President of Computing Devices Canada, Control Data Canada and EH Industries Canada.
Of course, life was not all about work. In 1956, while posted to Ottawa, Dudley met Katharine Ross and they married in 1957. They were blessed with three children: Ross (Shirley), Scott and Christie (Stephen); four grandchildren: Hilary, Nigel (Alesha), Christopher (Andrea) and Leah (Austin) and two great grandchildren: Oliver and Lydia. Although he liked his work, he loved his family and prioritized us. Even while dealing with dementia in his final years, he never forgot Katharine and he asked about her daily.
Dudley loved fishing, family time at the cottage at Lac Bernard and travelling with his wife. He made many life-long friends and he and our family cherish those relationships. He valued his membership in the Royal Naval Engineering Quart Club.
Dudley’s life was one of many achievements fueled, in part, by his ability to always look forward to the next experience and adventure. His life is a lesson to us all.
Dudley died peacefully at Perley Health in Ottawa ON on January 4, 2025. He was very well loved and cared for by the exceptional staff at the Perley and by his private caregivers, Donna, Nom, Farai and Denise. His family is thankful for their care.
Relatives, friends and comrades are invited to gather on Saturday, January 18, 2025 in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa after 9 a.m. Memorial Service will be held at 10a.m. followed by a reception. Urn interment will be held in spring 2025 at the National Military Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley Health Foundation will be appreciated.
I had a tremendous experience with Mr. Allan when he was President of Control Data. Such a great team builder, working closely with the President and Vice Presidents at the University of Calgary. A true leader who demonstrated what people could achieve working together.