Peacefully on Oct. 18 at the age of 88, Allan passed away after a struggle with dementia. He leaves his loving and devoted wife, Barbara Finegan, his beloved daughters Susan Murray (David) and Deborah Atkinson (the late David Atkinson), and grandchildren Allison Murray, Kathryn Thompson (Dan), Elizabeth Atkinson, and Michael Atkinson, and great grandchildren, Natalie and Lewis Thompson.
Allan was born on Dec. 9, 1935, in Toronto and grew up in the village of Mount Dennis. He had an extensive career in public service including 23 years for the Ontario Department of Highways, managing director of Go Transit, and chief general manger of the Toronto Transit Commission. In 1995, he was elected MPP for St. George-St. David, and was appointed minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in the Mike Harris cabinet and led the amalgamation of the city of Toronto.
He retired to his home in Atlantis, Florida, until 2021 when he moved permanently to Rye. He belonged to the Coveleigh Club where he enjoyed the many social activities with fellow members. He was active in lawn bowling, and was a member of the “White Jacket Club.”He loved golfing with his many friends at Toronto’s Board of Trade and Florida’s Atlantis Golf Club.
He will be missed and remembered fondly by many and we will forever fill our glasses to the brim with “a big Al pour.”
A celebration of Allan’s life will be held at a later date.