Allan passed away at Ponderosa Lodge on April 13, 2013 after a very brief battle with cancer. His daughter Jessie and step-son Ross were at his side.

He is survived by daughter Jessie Thomas, step-sons Ross and Marcel Lowndes, sister Clara Allen of Edmonton, and brothers Irvine and Robert Thomas of Fredericton, New Brunswick. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Allan was predeceased by his cherished wife of 44 years, Margaret June Thomas, in 1996 and by his beloved companion of 16 years, Barbara Eunice Lowndes, in December 2012. Also predeceased by twin brother Eldon; brothers Earle, George and Ralph; and by sisters Verna, Mary and Jean.

Born and raised in the small farming community of Tay Creek, New Brunswick, Allan and his twin brother Eldon left that world behind when they struck out for British Columbia in the early 1950's. Both worked in lumber camps on the West Coast and then eventually settled on Vancouver Island where both worked in the Chemainus saw mill.

In 1964, Allan moved to Kamloops with his wife and daughter, eventually taking employment as a school custodian in SD #24. It was then that his lifelong passion and belief in the labour union movement began to take form as he started taking part in the activities of his union. He served CUPE Local 900 in many capacities over the next 21 years -- sitting on the grievance and bargaining committees and holding various positions, including president, on the executive.

He was a man of few causes but those which he had, he championed with a dedicated and principled conviction. His family and friends will remember him as the loyal and caring father, brother, advisor and helper that he was. Those that knew him best will also remember him for the dry sense of humour that he carried into whatever he did.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no service.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in his memory to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation or Ponderosa Lodge, 425 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T4.

Arrangements entrusted to
Alternatives Funeral and
Cremation Services
250-554-2324