His civil engineering background had him measuring and recording his daily bike rides; he was exceedingly nimble at doing math in his head; and the printing in his journal entries was very small and neat—in a draftsperson’s kind-of-way. He was an inspiring teacher, and he challenged his many college students to think in novel ways. He was also a student of Nature—always learning the names of the plants and animals living in the wilderness where he played. His adventurous, light-hearted spirit rode white-water rapids; downhill skied and toured on snow; paddled the oceans; canoed major rivers; backpacked the wilderness; and introduced hacky sack to hundreds of people during his global travels. At home he crushed grapes and blackberries, and created gardens resplendent with flowers and vegetables.
He was kind, humble, smart, and funny. Allen would never suggest what to do, but we all saw the quiet grace in his actions. And when we were faced with “sit-yee-ations” in our lives, we would ask ourselves, “What would Al do?” We are asking ourselves this question now.
Those asking currently are: wife Shirley Dumas, sister Donna Millikin (John), many nieces and nephews and numerous international, national and local family and friends.
Allen was predeceased by his parents, sister Diane Kosok (Dumas), brother Denny Dumas (Karen) and Denny’s son Kevin Dumas.
As an aggressive cancer stormed through Allen’s healthy body, exceptional physicians comforted and guided. Much gratitude to Dr. Nancy MacPherson, Dr. Jonathon Reggler,
Nurse Denise, The Cottage Medical Staff, and the Comox Valley Home Care Team.
There will be no memorial service. However, donations to Comox Valley Habitat for Humanity, Plan International, or Doctors Without Borders would continue Allen’s support.
“I’m too old to die young, but too young to die now”—Warren Zevon
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