Harry's ship has sailed.
This wonderful man was loved by so many, respected by so many, and inspired so many.
Harry played many roles. To family, he was a husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and uncle. He was born, and grew up, in Vancouver. His career along the west coast of British Columbia led him from working on tugboats, to ship's Captain, then B.C. Coast Pilot and President of the BC Coast Pilots' Association. A very social person, Dad spent many years participating in activities and fundraising with the community charitable group of Van Zor Grotto.
Harry was predeceased by his loving wife, Josey (nee Stedham).
His family includes his three daughters, Susan, Sandra (Peter), and Sydney (Ron). We are also known as the '3 SEAs'. Less concerned about choosing names for his children, he just insisted their initials reflected his career on the water. So 'Harry'! We remain proud of that connection to him.
We three will be focusing on celebrating his life with his six grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, partners, extended family and loving friend, Joyce.
Sadly, he is gone. Happily, we were there as he concluded his journey. Hands held and feelings shared.
Thankful for the time we had together, Dad. Thankful for you.
October 28th, 2024
Condolences to his family
October 6th, 2024
Captain Harry Allen, what a wonderful man. I had the profound privilege of working for and with Captain Allen at The BC Coast Pilots Ltd. He was a founding member of the Company in the mid seventies when he and a handful of Pilots decided to break away from the employ of the Federal Government and BCCP was born. Captain Allen was instrumental in making sure that not only pilots were taken care of in their retirement but he also ensured that retired employees would be taken care of also. I am so thankful for all the wonderful memories, from him coming into the office and sharing his tales of travelling the seas, stories of his daughters and family of whom he was so proud, his jokes, and my favourite of him wearing his formal white dinner jacket at the Company annual Retirement Dinner and Dance celebration. He always saved a dance for me and a kiss on the cheek. I was so grateful to spend a little time with him not too long ago. Goodbye Captain Allen and thank you for being you, so kind, generous and fun and for helping to create the best Company anyone could have the privilege to work for. Your legacy will live on. You will be so missed by so many Eileen.
October 2nd, 2024
Harry was always such a friendly and kind soul. He was interested in what Alva was doing and where he was sailing. As a matter of fact he happened to be back east when Alva passed his masters. He made sure he had an appropriate gift. ( it might have come in a bottle)
Both he and Josie always kept in touch and kept up on our family by way of Boyd and Carole.
I am sure Boyd and him are telling sailing stories now.
We are sending love to you all.
October 1st, 2024
Thanks, Linda and Liz. Yes, he taught alot of my friends to keep their elbows off the table! LOL.
There will be a Celebration of Dad's Life but we haven't set the date for it yet. We will post it here, and on my Facebook page, (sydbosel) when we have that figured out. Just doing this process was so sad for us. We can't imagine having to chat with a bunch of people about Dad just yet.
We are all really missing him and prefer to just sit with that for a bit.
October 1st, 2024
Dear Sue, Sandy and Syd,
I hope that as time passes you will be able to remember all the funny moments of your lives with Harry and Josey. They were both very warm, friendly and welcoming people . . . and I had never known a clown before I met your Dad! They both touched many lives.
Love to all, Liz
September 30th, 2024
I met Captain Allen when I was just 5 and one of the few lessons that he taught me was respecting the chain of command, it has served me well in my career. And never put your elbows on the table when having dinner, I learned that one the hard way and to this day elbows are off the table. Thank you Captain Allen 💙
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