Donald Howard Allen

Don was born on Thursday, May 12th, 1949, and was a proud, lifelong resident of the West Hill and Highland Creek communities in Scarborough – a place he revered and helped preserve for future generations.

He spent his formative years at Galloway Road Public School before attending West Hill Collegiate Institute, where he built many of the friendships and memories he would come to cherish throughout his life.

Following his schooling, Don joined the Wilson-owned family business, BLM Automatic Clutch, beginning a dedicated career that would span his entire adult life. Through diligence, loyalty, and leadership, he became Plant Superintendent, a role he conducted with pride and integrity.

He was genuinely committed to protecting local history, volunteering with the Scarborough Archives, and eventually serving as President of the Scarborough Historical Society.

Don’s efforts were recognized by Mayor Frank Faubert with a Civic Recognition Certificate for his work with the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (1997). He was presented an award by Mayor David Miller for his service with the Scarborough Preservation Panel (2004). He also received the Toronto Heritage Award (2008), as well as multiple Ontario Volunteer Service Awards.

He composed quarterly articles for the “The Villager”, a newsletter put together by local volunteers for neighbourhood news and business, published by the Highland Creek Community Association.

Don’s love of camaraderie extended to his serving as the Administrator of several local Facebook sites, including West Hill Collegiate, Galloway Road Public School, and “I am from Highland Creek” (The Creekers) – here, he shared nostalgia and the history he loved, whereby these spaces became gathering points for countless people, thanks to his warmth and enthusiasm.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Eleanor (nee Cutler), daughters Jennifer (Herb) and Janice (Matthew), brother Charles (Darlene), and sister Phyllis, alongside cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Charles, mother Florence, and sister Patricia.

Don will be remembered for his kindness, congeniality, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

He will be sorely missed.

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The Celebration of Life will be held on:

Thursday, December 18th between 4pm – 8pm

Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

4115 Lawrence Avenue East

Scarborough, Ontario

M1E 2S2

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local food bank.