Reverend Doctor John Forsyth Allan U.E., B.A., B.D., D.D.

April 25, 1934 –November 20, 2025

April 25, 1934 –November 20, 2025

Son of the late Andrew B. Allan and Jean Forsyth of Thorold Ontario. Dr Allan is survived by his wife Marjorie for 65 years, daughter Susan (Brett), son Andrew (Kelly), grandchildren Kassandra, Bryce, Tavish, great grandchildren Logan and Scarlet.

Dr. Allan graduated from Waterloo College (U.W.O.) and The Presbyterian College, Montreal. He was a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada serving congregations in Chateauguay and Beech Ridge in Quebec, Trinity York Mills in Toronto, ON and St. Andrew’s in Victoria, BC.  He served on many national boards and committees of the Presbyterian Church and was Moderator of the 116th  General Assembly.

A memorial service will be held in The Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 10:00am.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

This obituary is the property of the “Allan” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.

 

16 Responses

  1. I only just discovered the passing of John Allan today (March 21/26).

    My wife Lorraine and I are very saddened to hear this news.

    Of all the people I have encountered in the nearly 78 years of my life, John stands out as one of my favourites.

    I have nothing but fond memories of Reverend Allan.

    We first met in the late sixties when he arrived at Trinity Presbyterian Church in York Mills. I was 20 at the time and my parents were original members there.

    We really hit it off and through all the many Church activities over the years, became friends.

    We formed a special bond with John who performed our wedding ceremony in 1972 and baptized both of our children.

    We still fondly recall the many times we would run into him at Fairview Mall in North York just sitting on a bench observing people. He always said it was one of his favourite things to do.

    The last time we saw John in person was when he returned to Trinity to participate in the
    50th Anniversary Celebration of the Church in 2003.

    We reconnected about six years ago when my Mother passed away at age 98 during the Covid Pandemic. John very kindly prepared and recorded a Video Funeral Service for her, from out in BC! What a special and memorable gift that was! I’m sure my Mom would have been delighted to have John put her to rest!

    And now it’s John’s time to rest.

    Our sincerest condolences to Marjorie and the entire Family!

    Deane and Lorraine Cooke
    Newmarket, Ontario

  2. Dear Marjorie and family
    I have great memories of Rev Allen as he was our minister at Maple Wood for many years . He worked closely with my father at this church . How many times as a child i called him for help ,
    He was a great influence on our lives .
    My deepest condolences to you and your family on this loss from our familyb

    Fay Blenkhorn

  3. My deepest condolences, Marjorie.
    Rev. Allan was a huge part of my life, from the day he baptized me to all the years that followed, I’ll always remember him. He was such a kind and wise man, always sharing his knowledge and insights with gentle care.
    I know he’ll live on in the hearts of many, and I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I can still close my eyes and hear his strong, clear voice. He was a truly gifted speaker, a great mentor, and a guiding light for so many of us.
    He’ll always be loved by so many. I’m so grateful that he was a part of our family; he made us all better people.
    Sending you all my love and best wishes.

  4. It is with a heavy heart that I send my sincere condolences to the Allan family.
    John’s passing is a significant loss to all those he touched in this world.
    From the time when I was a 12 year-old boy scout earning my Religion in Life emblem to when John officiated at our wedding he touched my life in a significant way.
    Even though I did not spend much time in his presence (geography was an issue) after I was married he always remained a positive influence. He had that effect on so many. My wife and I honoured him by giving our second son “Allan” as a middle name.
    I wish John the eternal peace he so deserves and was so ready to move on to.

  5. Dear Marjorie,
    We just read John’s obituary. Please accept our deepest sympathies on his loss to you and your family, and to all the other lives he touched during his life of service. We will always be grateful for his support in the weeks that led up to our wedding, and are thankful that we had the opportunity to visit with you both on a couple of occasions when we travelled to BC. Our second son bears your last name as his middle name – a testament to how much we valued John’s place in our lives.He is now at peace. We hope your memories of your life together will bring you comfort.

  6. Marjorie and family,

    My condolences are late, as I only just received the news and missed his service. John’s influence on my ministry was profound and pervading as his student at St. Andrew’s Victoria. Thirty years later, I still remember the wisdom he shared, and how it continues to guide me.

    God’s peace and blessings to you and your family.

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