Warren Allford, at age 88, with his family lovingly holding him in spirit and in our hearts, passed away on December 24th, 2020 at Kinplace Personal Care Home. He leaves behind his loving wife of 67 years, Gloria, and his four children, Guy Allford (Pat) Lindsey Witzel, (Jordan), Slade and Beck, Gerry Allford (Sandy) Frazer Allford, (Krissy), Krew and Laik, Madison Wilgosh, (Cameron) Joy Harz, (Herb), Tyler Harz, (Sarah), Payton, Brayden, Brendan Harz (Jaydee), Logan, Kashton, Teryl Ziprick, (Gregg), Tanner Ziprick, (Taylor), Travis Ziprick. Nieces,Vickie Sturtridge, Val (Paul) Borthistle, and nephew Gord Sturtridge. Dad was predeceased by his sister Mildred and brother-in-law, Gordon Sturtridge, parents, Naomi and Ted Allford, and his grandson Ryan Allford.
Dad was a man of quiet strength and grace. He was stoic and our family rock! Dad was a natural athlete; a competitive speed skater, a forward for the Winnipeg Monarchs and a golfer who had had 2 holes in one.
Dad met the love of his life “Glo” in Grade 6, and together they built a beautiful life, raising their 4 children. Dad was our biggest fan, and rarely missed any games or events that his kids took part in. He coached their sports teams and sat through hours of dance recitals. When the sports, dancing and school came to an end in June, Mom would load up the Envoy with the four kids and our family dog, and head to our family cabin at Falcon Lake. Dad would rush out after work on Friday evenings, to spend time with us on the weekends. The four of us would be waiting at the end of the driveway for him to get there. Life long memories were made water skiing, fishing, picnics at buggy beach and boat rides to Tonietta. His support and devotion to family didn’t stop with his kids, but continued on with the following of his grandkids and great grandkids.
Dad started his career as a draftsman at Westeel Rosco and he moonlighted, doing residential house plans. Through his drafting career he would meet Tony Lamonica and Doug Cannel who would become his business partners in Pro Plan Construction. They were the three amigos, and in addition to creating a successful business, became lifelong friends.
Golf was a passion that Mom and Dad shared and it opened up a world of travel and friendships. They wintered in Palm Springs and Lake Havasu and enjoyed games of golf on many courses here and away. Their membership at Elmhurst Golf course, expanded their circle of friends and brought them time together, playing the game they loved. Our family made lots of great memories on vacations where we joined them while they were away.
Over the last few years, it was incredibly painful to watch this once vibrant and energetic soul, fight so hard to keep his dignity and independence. All the while, worry more about how mom was doing and that she was looked after. He never complained about how the Parkinson’s was slowly stealing away his voice and his body. He would become frustrated at not being able to get his point across, while we would all try to guess and be his voice. This often ended in Dad shaking his head, as if he were a part of some bad charades game. Although communicating was difficult for dad towards the end of his life, we always knew where we stood and how proud he was of all of us. His love for his family was shown in so many ways. He ALWAYS showed up for all of us, even when we didn’t realize we had needed him.
His dedication to be a loving and forever husband to his Glo, a Dad that taught us how to appreciate each other and what we have, and to respect and be kind to everyone, always…even when you didn’t agree with them. He was a Papa who supported and encouraged his grandchildren in whatever they had decided to pursue (except Lindsey singing) and often was, lovingly, the brunt of their silliness and jokes. He was fondly called Papa Rumblebum, for a few mishaps that were heard by a few of them. Dad brought much laughter to our family…more often than not, unintentionally. He had a witty sense of humour and loved to tease, especially caregivers. He was never late for anything…his motto was…if you’re not early, you’re late! That quality is instilled in all of us…Guy, Gerry and Joy, in ALWAYS being early to arrive and Teri, who well, is still trying (Dad, there had to be one to mix it up.) He will be remembered most for his kind and gentle demeanor and a heart that shone so brightly.
It’s a very tough pill to swallow that we were unable to spend precious time with our Dad due to Covid, and that Mom and Dad were robbed of their goodbye. We know Dad is at peace and spending time with all of the special people who were lost before him. We love you dad and never worry, we got Mom!
Rest in Peace
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Warren Allford Thursday December 24th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Oakbank, Province: Manitoba