Allan Daniel Frederick Claridge

Allan was born on a British ship between Argentina and Britain, off the coast of Brazil, to William and Anna Claridge. He had an older brother Dick. In 1929, the Claridge family moved from Britain to Oyama where Allan’s Dad had a job lined up working on an orchard. On October 27, 1947 Allan married Elsie Tyrrell of Oyama. They had three children, Alana, Don and Candice. Allan and Elsie purchased their first orchard in the early fifties and later added two more orchards. They grew cherries, peaches, plums, prunes and apples. Allan has been involved in the Oyama Community Club, was chairman of the Oyama Cemetery Committee, President of the B.C. Fruit Growers Association for seven years, President of Canadian Horticultural Council, a member of the B.C. Land Commission for nine years, chairman of the Friends of May Bennett. He helped to keep a senior’s home open in Kelowna for ten years until it was closed. It is now a wellness centre. Daughter Candice married Cliff in 1978 and they have three children, Matthew (Cathryn), Adam (Chevonne) and Marleah (Ryan). Allan has been a knowledgeable boxing fan all his life and he is interested in the well being of other people. He worked hard all his life with his wife Elsie at his side. She became ill in early March 2010 and died three weeks later. They had been married for 62 years. Allan is a man of strong principles.

Graveside Funeral Service will be held in Oyama Community Cemetery on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at 2p.m. Memorial Tea to follow in the Oyama Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oyama Community Club, 15710 Oyama Road, Oyama, BC V4V 2E1.

Arrangements are in the care of Vernon Funeral Home 250-542-0155. Condolences may be offered at www.vernonfuneralhome.com