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TED ALLAN and DAWN ALLAN
Date of Passing: Dec 14, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryTED ALLAN and DAWN ALLAN
Ted and Dawn have been in love since they were both teenagers. Dawn was 82 and Ted was 88 when they died together in the early hours of last Saturday, December 14, 2024, following a house fire at the family home on Riverside Drive.
Their story started when Ted Allan left Canada at 19 seeking travel and adventure, instead finding himself in London clearing Second World War rubble in the icy rain. It took not but a few months for him to find his way to a travel agent. He begged to be sent anywhere warm and wound up on a tramp steamer as a merchant marine with a freshly inked and misspelt tattoo bound for South Africa. Dawn Younghusband, a statuesque beauty with a wide smile and a sharp intellect, was ensconced in a girls' convent in Cape Town. She “excelled at all subjects and learning” and was promptly advanced to the typing pool of some nameless organization after completing 9th grade....Until she walked into Ted on her neighbourhood beach in Clifton, Cape Town. They fell in love and spent the next several years honing their shared beachmanship and enduring love of the ocean.
Their early days were adventuresome and the years that followed with three children were no less so. Following their marriage and return to Canada, Ted became a featured columnist at the Winnipeg Tribune during the 1960s. Dawn was an on-air CBC reporter where she once ignited an international uproar by interviewing the South African ambassador, at the height of apartheid, in a manner less than flattering. Ted felt his writing was repeatedly edited to the point of “massacre” and left ruined and “bleeding on the pages” (his words). This, in addition to their insistence on ties, made him restless and in need of a new adventure. After years of fighting with his editors and wrestling with his ties, happiness was receding like a tramp steamer leaving the dock without them.
Their children were 7, 10, and 11, and it was 1972 when they sold their house in Wildwood Park, bought a VW van and had it spray painted happy-face-yellow and transported all to New Zealand on the SS Canberra. Once there, they travelled the country camping on beaches, creating art, riding horses, and reading aloud to us kids in a Woods tent, in which we all slept. Cold months saw them in a rented farmhouse while Ted worked with forestry and learned the joy of a "smoko" (a tea break around a fire) with his mates, while Dawn enjoyed the country life planting a big garden that was later trampled by a herd of sheep. Ted held her while she wept. Dawn mastered the wringer washer and anything else thrown her way With the exception of home-schooling, which was an oft overlooked notion.
The family was travelling on New Zealand's South Island when a mail packet caught up to them saying Ted’s father, Tony, had cancer and that it “didn't look good”. Promptly returning to Canada in 1975, Ted resumed journalism as a weekly columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press where he belonged to a group of newsroom troublemakers whose desks sat in a pod disparagingly referred to as the “Sophomore Desk“ for their loud hilarity, long lunches, and irreverent disrespect for management. Mum went to the University of Winnipeg and achieved her dream of furthering her Grade 9 education with an Honours Bachelor of English earning a perfect 4.0 average. She had essays published in Chatelaine and her story set in apartheid Cape Town, The Swimmer, won the provincial CBC Short Story Contest.
Upon leaving the Free Press, Dad became the feature writer for Winnipeg Magazine-a monthly news and lifestyle magazine. His infamous article about the seedy world of small-time fight promotion, Raging Bullshit, won the Governor Generals National Magazine Award for Journalism-the highest honour bestowed in his field.
Upon his retirement from writing, Ted and Dawn continued to seek the sand in places like Cuba, Tahiti, Mexico, the Cook Islands and Fiji. Additionally, they had their own beach on an island at Lake of The Woods in Ontario. “Ice out to ice in” was spent there in general tomfoolery but also gardening and fishing with an abiding passion for wildlife and wilderness shared with Ted’s parents, Tony and Doll, and his brother Bingo (all predeceased).
Everything Dad did whether it was brushing out the fringe on a freshly vacuumed oriental carpet or managing his backyard menagerie of deer, ducks, squirrels and Canada geese in his “Red River Feedlot” was done with passion and attention to detail. He would not abide a dangling participle or poorly expressed idea. Mum was a nonconformist and independent thinker all her life. Her gardening ran to riotous colour expressions and improbable botanical couplings. We once saw her catch and bodysurf a massive wave in Sayulita, Mexico well into her 70s.
Dawn and Ted were as different as they were the same. She loved poetry and ballet; he was a lifelong runner and weightlifter. They shared a passion for writing and reading - Dawn loved literary fiction and the New York Times crosswords, while Ted enjoyed biographies, history, and, of course, sports. Each morning, they read alone yet together, calling back and forth from their respective reading rooms those items they found interesting, funny, or terrible. Ted always started with sports, which Dawn effectively feigned interest in for 64 years. Dawn would end the session with the crossword, calling from the sunroom, "Ted, what’s a seven-letter word for something, starts with 'B,' then something, something, something, 'K,' something, something?" They marched to their own drummer (forgive the hackneyed phrase Dad), but it was a fine, fine rhythm section.
The patter of their voices could always be heard deep into the night while cleaning up a family dinner that went way too long. It was always a reminder that even after 60 years of marriage, when two people are drawn to each other the way they were, the mutual fascination with each other's minds was never exhausted.
They are survived by their children - KC, Joc and Mac Allan; their beloved grandchildren - Haley Fox (Kyle), Jocelyn Bransford (Forrest Fesmire) and Shea Davis (Lindsey MacMaster); their great-grandson Walter Fox; Dawn’s niece Nicky Standbridge and brother Peter Younghusband.
There will be a private Celebration of Life in the spring.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 04, 2025
Condolences & Memories (33 entries)
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I do not know your parents but am here to say this is hands down the absolute best tribute to departed loved ones I have ever read. Losing one parent makes one feel like an orphan. I can’t imagine your grief at losing both so tragically. My sincere condolences at this tremendous loss. Never stop telling their stories. - Posted by: Melody Anderson (A reader) on: Feb 26, 2025
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I was fortunate to share the years with Ted at both The Tribune and Free Press. He was as funny as he was an excellent writer and a fine newspaper man. Dawn was one of a kind as you have read and when they came to a party, they shone with their authenticity. I was a part of all of those golden days and I regret not visiting him before he passed, just to see him smile. God speed, Ted and Dawn Ritchie Gage - Posted by: Ritchie Gage (Colleague) on: Feb 01, 2025
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I first met Ted in the early '70s when both of us worked at the Winnipeg Tribune. I admired his skill as a writer back then and I don't think I have met anyone who could match it since. One of my fondest memories dates back to 1972 or 73, when I hosted a New Year's Eve party and Ted and Dawn arrived rather late in the evening. About 1 am, Ted took out his drums that he had brought along, reinvigorating the party, which didn't wind down until Ted and his drums departed. It was the best New Year's Eve I ever experienced. - Posted by: Rosalie Woloski (Former Colleague) on: Jan 12, 2025
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The Allan Family Generosity is legendary. What a tribute to lives well lived. I learned a lot from them. Ted was one of those rare writers who can separate observation from pre-conception, most people see what they want, he saw what is. Good food and good music, from subscribing to the New Yorker to realizing the covers were pieces of art. Driving the VW bus, singing his heart out. Dawn was the epitome of hospitality, always ready with an anecdote, and what a cook! Always elegant, considered, and interested. Many nights were spent at Allan family dinners for food and conversation you wouldn't get elsewhere. Sending love and condolences at a very difficult time. - Posted by: Indira (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2025
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Every story Ted Allan filed at the Free Press was a delight, a lesson and an amiable challenge to match such matchless writing. Elegant and erudite, he never showed the sweat. What lively company they must have been. - Posted by: Randal McIlroy (Colleague) on: Jan 10, 2025
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Eloquent storytelling skills clearly passed to the next generation along with a certain je ne sais quoi zest for life that extends to the next. Burning down the house, The cremation of Sam McGee, Atlanta Rhythm Section but no Jerry Garcia. Those and other related topics during Ice Out elongated dinners involved lots of food for thought. You call that a beach Ya- that's a real beach. Love Johnny. - Posted by: Rainbow (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2025
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Last summer, I had the incredible good fortune to visit three generations of Allans at their camp in Lake of the Woods. I fell in love with Dawn and Ted immediately. I had to work a bit to learn everyone’s first names because they were known to each other as Luv, Darling, Plummy Mummy, and so on. We worked crosswords by committee. We danced to excellent music. We learned new board games to varying success. We ate wonderful meals and drank excellent coffee. Dawn’s charisma was such that I begged to do the dishes with her each night. One evening, all of us snuggled around Dawn’s iPad and watched an historic speech by an American politician. (I think they’d be ok with me mentioning it was a Democrat.) That moment, surrounded by the Allan’s dogs and throw pillows, their wit and deep abiding love, is one of my most cherished memories and a future life goal. Dawn and Ted: You left an indelible mark on me and I will miss you forever. - Posted by: Kelly Holmes (Friend) on: Jan 09, 2025
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My sincere and deepest condolences on the loss of Mom and Dad. I remember them well all these many decades later. Warm, loving people with such a remarkable sense of life and ĺife well lived. The old tickle trunks of clothing in the basement where we could let our wildest imaginings run free playing dress up. Old Highlite magazines to entertain, the easy bake over, free bread and hunks of cheddar are all of my easiest memories of life in the area of Wildwood. Your folks ensured we had lively, healthy imaginations. Wonderful memories In sympathy, Heather - Posted by: Heather Softley, nee Martel (Friends from our feckless childhood) on: Jan 09, 2025
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What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Deepest condolences Mac to your family. May you find smiles in the memories! - Posted by: Dawn Klatt (School Mate to Mac) on: Jan 09, 2025
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I did not know your parents, but I wish I had!! I knew Younghusbands in South Africa and Zambia and my sister in Joburg is friends with a Jocelyn Younghusband!. I, too, went to a girl’s convent in the Cape Province in South Africa and loved the story of your parents’ life, romance and their ideology. We always know the beginning of a journey and sometimes the middle but the ending, well that unfolds as it will – I am so glad your parents were together. - Posted by: Jacqueline Gibson (Just someone who was touched by the life of your parents) on: Jan 06, 2025
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As a kid, I lived across the street in Section F. The one thought that used to cross my mind when I saw Ted & Dawn on occasion, was, boy, did they exude cool. - Posted by: David Grant (A neighbour a long time ago) on: Jan 05, 2025
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"A beautiful life." "A tragic end." My deepest sympathy to the family. - Posted by: L E Anderson (Relative) on: Jan 05, 2025
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I met Dawn at the U of Winnipeg. We were in two classes together. We became good friends and remained so for many years. Life took us our separate ways, but I always remembered her with great fondness. We had some good laughs together. I am really distressed to hear of her and Ted's passing in this way. Very sad. - Posted by: Catherine Lampkin (University friend) on: Jan 05, 2025
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Theirs was truly a life celebrated. Sincere condolences. What a loss! - Posted by: Phil Hossack (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2025
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Great sadness and heartfelt condolences. - Posted by: Manfred Jager and Mary Galloway (Friends and Colleague) on: Jan 04, 2025
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What an amazing life you all had ! I couldn’t stop reading ! Počivaju miru - Posted by: Barb (Reader ) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I opened Passages to look for a friend and this story caught my eye. I offer my sincere condolences in the loss of your family, Ted and Dawn Allan. They lived their lives to the maximum and I so enjoyed reading about it. Their story could easily be told in a book or movie. Sending much love. - Posted by: Dianne (No relationship) on: Jan 04, 2025
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While I do not know you or your parents, I was very moved by their story. A wonderful dissertation on a life, lived fully, completely and exactly the way they wanted to live it. Thank you for sharing. - Posted by: Judi McFarland (none (a reader)) on: Jan 04, 2025
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Dear Mac, KC, Joc, and family. This is such a beautiful tribute to your wonderful parents. Your mom and dad were full of heart and soul. I truly admired your parents, Ted and Dawn. Your dad was a beautiful runner who would float by as he ran. Your mom always had a smile and the most welcoming heart. Their passion for adventures, family, and natural surroundings was admired. Yes, their passion and attention to detail was clearly evident. May you find comfort in the cherished memories of your parent's love and your shared moments. They will always be a part of you, and their spirit will live on in your hearts. Wishing you strength, peace, and healing. - Posted by: Jennifer Stewart (Neighbour and friend from Riverside Drive) on: Jan 04, 2025
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Ted and I were 1st cousins and grew up together as boys in Wpg. before I moved east in 1948...We were very close and I have many fond memories of summers on the island. Latterly we were in touch via email. I'll miss his pithy and humourous observations and comments. RIP Edmundo - Posted by: Bob Simpson (Cousin) on: Jan 04, 2025
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It seems somehow fitting that Dawn and Ted should pass away together at their home on Riverside Drive. They were wonderful, fascinating people, individually and as a couple. In the years I had the benefit of sharing their company, I loved the way they surrounded themselves with other interesting people. Memories, especially of Dawn (the dancer) are flooding in. May the next adventure be another great one. - Posted by: Louise Townsend (Fortunate Guest on Memorable Christmas Eves at Riverside Drive. ) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I recall spending time in both the family home and cottage with the wonderful sound of continuous music playing and playful banter in the background. There was so much life, love and laughter. My sincere condolences to all of you. My heart goes out to you. Sending love ❤️ - Posted by: Roben Nurgitz (Friend of the family ) on: Jan 04, 2025
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What a beautiful tribute to your amazing parents …bless your family… - Posted by: Terri (None) on: Jan 04, 2025
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First off, my condolences to you and your family. Man what a ride they had! - Posted by: Karen (None) on: Jan 04, 2025
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Sending my deepest condolences to Haley and her family. I will always remember Ted & Dawn (Gamie & Bompa) opening their doors to us as silly teenagers and young adults with open arms, warm meals and intellectual conversations (where we probably didn’t belong) around their dining room table, cozy movies and always a safe inviting space, when we probably needed it most. sending all my love. - Posted by: S Kinahan (Old friend ) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I also, was amazed and fascinated by their incredible journey together. The old statement “go out and see the world” sure applied to them. “go out and see the world” - we all talk about it but very few do it. This couple did it and lived the complete life and enjoyed it together - Posted by: Trevor Hayden (Observer) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I did not know your parents, but I cannot help but respond by saying that this was the most incredible tribute to 2 lives lived in an utterly amazing capacity. I am so very sorry for your loss, and may their memories give you comfort and be a blessing. You were surely blessed to have them as parents. - Posted by: Enid Barnes (an admiring reader) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I was part of that gang of layabouts and troublemakers at the back of the Free Press newsroom. We called ourselves "the lunch bunch." Deciding where to eat was an important part of every day. Yes, we did our jobs, and well enough so we all had a modecum of respect, but none earned the awe for their work that Ted did. We loved every word. We all moved on and gradually lost touch, although Margaret and I saw Ted and Dawn again when their granddaughter was in Grosvenor with our children. And we reconnected on Facebook. It was fun to have even a remote conversation with Ted and Pat Zanger, just like we did so many years ago across those battered oak desks where we pounded typewriters for a living. RIP Ted and Dawn and I know you would have wanted to go together. - Posted by: Scott Edmonds (Friend) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I am shocked and shattered to hear this news. I worked with Ted in the 1970s, at the Winnipeg Free Press, at the back of the newsroom in the so-called entertainment section where Ted's dry wit and rapier observations kept us raucously entertained. His writing was sublime. When I left Winnipeg in 1978, Ted was still at the FP. We reconnected nearly 40 years later through Facebook, thanks to daughter KC. I am so, so sorry - Posted by: Pat Zanger (Former Winnipeg Free Press colleague) on: Jan 04, 2025
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A touching tribute written with great love and respect. These were clearly two lives that were well lived. My condolences for your loss. - Posted by: Cheryl Moore (None) on: Jan 04, 2025
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Jocelyn, my deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your parents. I have been thinking of you during this difficult time. - Posted by: Heather Ragot (Hinchliffe) (Schoolmate to Jocelyn) on: Jan 04, 2025
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I was in that pod of Free Press newsroom troublemakers, though I didn't have a fraction of the experience, insight and writing talent of Ted. I have a vivid memory of Ted writing something or other and asking the group around him for the name of a great saxophone player. Not knowing much about jazz, I suggested Clarence Clemons, who played with Springsteen. He gave me the verbal equivalent of a spear through my forehead for that suggestion. Very eccentric, very opinionated but great man. And he and Dawn were role models for how to squeeze every micron out of life. - Posted by: Dave Haynes (old Free Press colleague) on: Jan 04, 2025
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What an awesome life! I just read this and felt like I was reading a book I couldn't put down. Thank you for that, and may these incredible memories of two very interesting people be comfort and a source of joy. Again, sincerely touching. - Posted by: JR (None) on: Jan 04, 2025