Day, Allan William (Died)

DAY, Allan William 1914-2013 Allan passed peacefully in his 100th year on Friday December 27, 2013 at Halton Healthcare Services in Oakville. Allan was predeceased by his beloved wife Dorothy, his sister Betty Mitchell, and granddaughter Deborah Day. He was a loving father to his children, Robert (Betty), Ralph (Nancy) and Diane Leblovic (Nicholas). He will be fondly remembered by his sister Joan Grant, his 8 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren 1 great, great grandchild and his many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Allan lived most of his life in Halton with his early years being in Oakville and later years in Burlington. Allan grew up during the depression and worked in a number of challenging jobs including in the construction of the QEW and for many years as a tanner in both Oakville and Toronto. Later in life he worked for Air Coils Manufacturing in Oakville for 25 years as a purchasing agent and for 7 years as the Field Officer for the Halton Centennial Manor in Milton before retiring. Throughout his life, Allan dedicated himself to public service to both his country and his community. When World War II was declared, he enrolled in the RCAF. He rose to the rank of Flying Officer and flew in Lancaster bombers overseas as both a rear air gunner and wireless operator. He served on both Oakville and Halton County Council from 1956 to 1970 as councillor, deputy-reeve and reeve. In 1970 Allan was elected by his peers as the Warden of Halton County, a position akin to today's regional chair. Allan had a lifelong passion for conservation, leading the initiative to establish the 16 Mile Creek Conservation Authority (now Conservation Halton) in 1957, and became one of the founding directors and its first secretary. He was also a director of the Twelve Mile Creek Conservation Authority and later served on the first Board of Directors for Conservation Halton in 1964. Allan was instrumental in Conservation Halton's acquisition of two of its major properties: namely, the Kelso and Hilton Falls Conservation Areas. These facilities will be enjoyed for generations to come. In recognition of his many environmental efforts and achievements, Allan was honored by the Conservation Halton in 1998 with its Award of Excellence and in 1999 with the Ralph Sherwood Conservation award. Allan was also a member of the Oakville Legion and the Masonic Lodge and after moving to Burlington worked on a number of seniors support groups. Allan had a passion for the outdoors and walking and on many days could be found trekking the Halton escarpment or the shoreline of his beloved Georgian Bay where his family owned cottages for many years. Even into his eighties and nineties he would often be seen walking around Burlington many miles from his home. In his public life Allan was a tireless and dedicated representative committed to making his community a better place for everyone. In his private life Allan was a kind, thoughtful and generous person who always had time to reach out and help a family member, friend or neighbour. In everything, he was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. Allan lived a wonderful and fulfilling life and will be truly missed by all those who knew him. A Celebration of Allan's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 3rd, 2014 at Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home at 64 Lakeshore Road, West Oakville. In lieu of flowers, donations to Conservation Halton (905-336-1158) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.koprivataylor.com