Allen Roy Duggan

Duggan, Allen, 87. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Allen Duggan on November 23rd, 2022. Born in Halifax on September 1st, 1935, Allen was the son of the late Hazel (Collins) and Arnold Duggan. Allen was predeceased by his loving wife of 46 years, Anita (“Neat”), who passed away in 2013. He is survived by daughter Ann Marie Duggan (Marcus), Halifax, and sons Kevin Duggan, Dartmouth and Jamie Duggan (Natasha) and adored granddaughter, Isla Duggan, Montague, PEI. Isla was Allen’s pride and joy. They went for walks, colored and played with toys together. He attended her dances classes and recitals, ringette, and Sunday suppers. They shared mutual love.

Allen had eleven siblings: Gerald, Pat, Marion, Mervyn, Noreen (Halifax), Don, Pauline, Helen, Norman (Kentville), Beverley (St.Catherine’s), and Ken. He survived spinal meningitis as a child and was one of the first to be successfully treated in Nova Scotia. This, along with his large family, formed his upbringing in Fairview, NS. He could have written a book on Fairview and its inhabitants.

He married Anita in 1965 and they lived in Waverley and Purcell’s Cove before building a house, together, in Bedford, NS. The house was built next to the family cottage which he and his father built. He often told a story about his first trip to Bedford when he hid under the family car, on the gas tank, and appeared at the end of the journey- to the surprise of his family. He was very particular about the building and maintenance of the house and this inspired his daughter to become an Architect. He also loved his large yard and doing yard work- especially, mowing, raking and shoveling snow. He could fix anything and everything- and had all the tools to do so. He enjoyed watching the wildlife- the birds, squirrels, sometimes turtles and deer. He loved animals and there were a number of family pets over the years, but most recently he found a companion in Bodhi the dog, and Roxy, his and Anita’s, beloved cat. He and Anita loved exploring the province by car on day trips- here and there. Allen was also known to sit in his car, in the driveway, listening to country music. Two of his favorite singers were Hank Snow and Johnny Cash.

He served some time in the militia but Allen’s main occupation and passion was working with CNR and VIA Rail from 1964 to 1995 (31 years)- first at the Fairview Round House and then at the Halifax Train Station where he looked after “the Stores” and baggage and eventually became Station Master. He was interested in anything that had to do with the railway- on and off the train. Even in his final days, in hospital, he was organizing other patients for boarding the train. We are sure that when his train arrived in paradise Anita, family, friends and pets were all waiting at the Train Station.

Visitation will take place in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, (455-0531) on Thursday December 1st from 6-8 pm. (face masks are encouraged). A mass of remembrance will be held at St.Ignatius Church in Bedford on Friday, December 2nd at 12:15 pm. A reception will follow in the church hall. Following cremation a double interment will take place Saturday, December 3rd at 10:30am at the Gates of Heaven Cemetery in Lower Sackville, NS. Donations in Allen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA.