A businessman, a conversationalist and an inquisitive mind, Victor Bishop Allen is perhaps best remembered as a true gentleman. He is remembered by former colleagues, friends, and the equestrian community.
Born in Verdun Quebec in 1924, upon graduation from high school Victor joined the Royal Canadian Navy in support of the Canadian war effort in the Second World War. After training, Vic was posted to a Corvette class vessel where he saw active duty as part of an anti-submarine convoy escort in the Atlantic. Vic was identified as a potential officer candidate and, after the war, joined the naval reserve in Montreal where he became an Officer, reaching the rank of Sub-Lieutenant.
After the war, Vic attended McGill University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. Having spent his youth exploring ski hills and lakes near Montreal, Vic took a year off from his studies to travel west in the pursuit of skiing and cinematic fame. Following his adventure west which, according to him, left most of his scenes on the cutting room floor, Vic returned to McGill to complete his studies. Once back at McGill, Vic met his future wife, Joan Marion Allen (predeceased).
Once married, Vic started his career as a teacher but left for a management position in the railroad industry where he quickly realized his passion for management consulting. Moving from Montreal to Toronto, and later to Ottawa, Vic held increasingly senior positions at several consulting firms including Touche Ross (Deloitte) and Hickling Johnston. Vic had a passion for technology and business and specialized in computer software; he was later at the forefront of‘ Silicone Valley North while in Ottawa. He also spent time in the Great Canadian Oil sands as a management consultant.
Vic and Joan were active in both social and athletic endeavours. Vic was a lifelong member of the Rideau Club and the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. He was also an avid skier and was highly involved in the Canadian Ski School; he penned many newspaper articles for various publications covering skiing in Canada.
In 1980, Vic and Joan moved to Spencerville Ontario where they together started Renroc Farm, which they built into a successful equestrian program. Vic loved the farm and found happiness in a rural life. While at Renroc, Vic developed a passion for economic development in eastern Ontario, spearheading several projects including bringing broadband internet to Eastern Ontario, as well as assisting with the expansion of the 416 Highway.
Vic had a passion for life and living it. He filled his life, and the lives of those in it, with perfectly timed incantations of great literature and ever inciteful prose. His own life is perhaps best captured by Rudyard Kipling’s last lines in the poem ‘If’:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute,
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!
A private celebration of life will take place at a future date.
Donations may made to:
———>>> Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation<<<---------Thursday August 26th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Victor Bishop Allen Thursday August 26th 2021..Hulse, Playfair & McGarry Inc
Décès pour la Ville:Spencerville, Province: Ontario