It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Allen, our cherished son, husband and father. Allen was born March 4, 1969, in a British Military Hospital in Iserlohn West Germany to parents Bella Holowanky and Michael Burgess.
Being part of a military family now, he went on to live in Soest W. Germany, Petawawa (ON), Baden-Solingen W. Germany, Toronto (ON) and Ottawa (ON).
Allen was a private man who loved being married, working on his house and yard, being part of the Tech world and reading especially spy and western novels.
Allen is predeceased by his oldest son Jason, his maternal grandparents, Yvonne (Chartrand) and Steve Holowanky (Sudbury, ON), who during summer vacations took him, his brother Jeffrey, cousins Jennifer, Suzanne and Stevie camping. Allen especially liked the games Baba and Gido invented.
Also predeceased by his paternal grandparents Faye Sweezey and Ron Burgess, uncles Ronny, cousin David (Sudbury, ON) uncle Charlie (Toronto, ON) and aunt Margaret Lehman (Pembroke, ON).
Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Carolina, and dear son of 20 years Jordan, brother Jeffrey (Grand Prairie, AB), parents Bella and Michael (Stittsville, ON), aunts Vivian Ross (Lantz, NS) and Brenda Burgess (Sudbury, ON).
He is also survived by his uncles Merv Holowanky (Kakabeka Falls, ON), Kevin Holowanky (Grand Prairie, AB), Richard Burgess (Sudbury, ON) and cousins Jennifer Roebuck (Edmonton, AB), Suzanne Azizan (Ottawa, ON), Stevie Holowanky (Thunder Bay, ON), Becky and Tyler Ross (NS).
Suffering from ALS, Allen chose to be treated at home. He was lovingly cared for by his wife and son. Both were tremendously skilled and wonderfully committed to giving Allen all the attention and support he needed. They received extensive help and guidance from the Ontario Health at Home program that provided trained personnel to attend to Allen needs, both emotionally and technically.
Both support equipment and connections from ALS Society were given freely and without charge. Donations to the ALS organization in your area would be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place. Allen will be inurned at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, following a service and reception at his home.
Digital Guestbook
Ben He
Leanne Taylor
My deepest condolences to Carolina and family at this time. There are no words that can properly express the sadness and loss you are experiencing at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andy Carwardine
I had the pleasure of working closely with Allen on the Technical Support team at DragonWave for 15+ years.
From myself, and on behalf of the extended DragonWave team/family, my sincere condolences.
Rest in peace, my friend.
Daniele Behar
I've been often working with Allen during my time with DragonWave, and I have good memories about that. Reading the news, it's a sad way to start the new year indeed.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Rest in peace
Bernard Prkic
Although I haven't collaborated very intimately with Allen (I live in the Netherlands), we worked together during my years at DragonWave Inc. (from 2012) and also at my current company (from 2020), where Allen and his team support our business. Allen was a competent, loyal and thrustworthy man and colleague. We'll miss him.
I was sincerely shocked and saddened hearing of Allen's condition and untimely death. I wish all the best to Allen's family, and express my sincere condolences.
Greg Friesen
I had the pleasure of working with Allen at Dragonwave for over a decade. He was clever hard working and a great colleague. He will be deeply missed.
Paul Clowes
My sincere condolences to Allens' family and Friends.
I had the pleasure to work with Allen at Dragonwave where he was always helpful and joy to work with, it is a sad loss for all that knew him.
Robin Hoffarth
I had the pleasure of working with Allen as a customer and then colleague at Dragonwave. I always found Allen to be upbeat, kind and generous with his time and knowledge. I appreciated his support. My condolences to Allen's family and friends. I wish you for you to have peace in your heart.
Scott silvey
Allen and I worked together for over 14 years at Dragonwave. He was a trusted resource that we could all count on. Once Allen and I traveled to Philadelphia to train a group of installers that we assumed to be about twenty people. Much to our surprise, over 100 were there to be “trained”I. Allen improvised and quickly broke the training into bite sized bits that could be absorbed by such a large group! I also counted Allen as a friend. Rest easy friend.
Phil Hedley
Like many others I worked with Allen at Dragonwave, he was a top guy, spoke his mind and got things done.
Shocked and saddened to hear his passing at such a relatively early age.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
I was deeply saddened to hear about Allen's passing. They were a wonderful colleague and will be greatly missed.