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.
Digital Guestbook
Linda Robertson
Stuart and Joan Wilson
We first met Dudley almost 40 years ago at the family cottage on Lac Bernard. We were surprised to learn that this gentle, quiet man was in fact a gentleman warrior whose military career included being catapulted off an aircraft carrier. We will miss him.
Peter Deslauriers
I knew Commander (as he then was) Alan briefly in the 60s when he and my father, JJ, were involved in the hydrofoil project in Tracy QC. I acted as an emergency babysitter for the family and sought Comander Alan's advice when I contemplated joining the RCN. He was very kind to me.
Louise Smith
I would like to extend my condolences to the family on behalf of the late Stanley Smith (a friend of Tommy Allan's from Phillipsburg) and his wife Vivian. While they kept ifn touch over the years, I particularly remember the Allans visiting my parents when they all lived in Toronto. My Father often shared fond memories of Tommy Allan.
Donna Schroeder
I had the pleasure of taking care of Dudley who was kind, most appreciative, a true gentleman and a heart warming smile. We spoke of family, the cottage, we sang and had a few laughs together.
Gone but not forgotten.
My Condolences to Katharine, Ross “Shirley”, Cristy “Steve “, Scott and extended family.
Bernadette Lee-Wo
Ross, Shirley and family. Your friends from Perley Heath Volunteer Services send caring thoughts in this time of sorrow. May you find comfort in precious memories.
Lee McNeilly
I was so sorry to hear of Dudley's passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you all. I will always be grateful for the kindness Katharine showed during our time in Quebec—whether it was through helping with childcare, offering French lessons, or supporting the other Navy wives. It made a world of difference to me.
Wishing you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Nancy Brookbank
Auntie K, Ross, Scott and Christie. We are saddened about the loss of Uncle Dudley. You were all a huge part of our growing up years, especially the Navy years. Mum and Dad, Auntie K and Uncle Dudley were such a unit. While we have missed you in person as the years went by we always stayed in touch. While dad would have loved to attend to say goodbye, it’s a little too much. All Brookbank’s will be with you in spirit on Saturday. Much love ❤️
Norman Smyth
Dudly kindly joined the Board of Directors of Thales Systems Canada around 1993 while I was President. He was on our Board for about 10 years. He was always preceptive, encouraging and made a significant contribution to the successfull develpment of the company. I always appreciated his input and guidance. He will be missed.
Chris Chance
To Mrs. Allan, Ross, Scott, Christy and your families, please accept condolences on behalf of the Chance family. When I was looking to leave the Army in 1983, I told my parents that I would like a job that combined both my love of the military, and my newly acquired MBA, and it was my mother who said "Why don't you call Dudley Allan" for advice. It was he who explained that he was no longer at Computing Devices, but at Control Data Canada Ltd in Toronto, and he invited me to meet with people there, where he happened to be the President. That was my first job when I left the military, and I attribute my successful start in the civilian world to Dudley. It was my pleasure to have known him, and to have been always so warmly received both at your home, at work, and whenever we came into contact. I will never forget his kindness and sound guidance. He truly embodied the meaning of Truth, Duty Valour.
I loved having weekly visits with Dudley snd Donna on Wednesday in boutique at Perley. Donna took loving care of Dudley.
My sincere condolences to Shirley, Ross and
family. Linda