Obituary
Lionel Garth Allen passed away peacefully on November 13, 2022 in his 84th year. Predeceased by his parents Grant and Elizabeth Allen. Loving brother to Bryce (Janice) and nieces Johanna (Jason), Hillary (Jeff) and nephew Nathan (Stephanie). Beloved cousin of Jane Wellard. Adored great uncle of Isabella, Avery, Quinn, Hudson, Blythe, Evalina and Aidyn. Garth will be dearly missed by a large and loving circle of friends, colleagues and extended family.
Growing up in the Village of Warkworth, Ontario, music played a major role in Garth’s life very early on. Private piano, voice and organ lessons ignited a love for music and performance. Garth attended the University of Western Ontario on full scholarship, graduating in 1961 with an Honours degree in Vocal Performance and Education. His experiences at university, and performances in summer theatre, laid the groundwork for a life dedicated to the arts. Beginning his career teaching Choral Music and English at Quinte Secondary School in Belleville, Ontario, followed by 5 years at RH King Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, Ontario, Garth quickly realized mentoring and inspiring young people was his passion.
In 1968 he was appointed Supervisor of Music for Scarborough Board of Education, a position he held for 27 years. He was a major force in raising standards of music education, emphatically promoting the self-awareness, self-discipline and vulnerability that result from participation in music. Garth was the founder and conductor of the Scarborough Chamber Choir, which evolved into the internationally acclaimed Scarborough Schools Youth Choir from 1972-1995. He was excited to watch his students grow and took great pride in their development. Travelling to England to perform at Westminster Abbey was a dream Garth made into a reality for the choir in 1985. In 1968 Garth helped found the Scarborough Music Theatre, and in 1977 created Stage Centre Productions where a large circle of lifelong friendships were made. Garth’s attention to detail and high expectations contributed immensely to the theatre’s success. Garth directed and designed over 200 productions in 43 years. In 1992 Garth was awarded the “Canada 125” Medal for his service to the arts.
Upon his retirement in 1995, Garth reconnected with friends in Warkworth, spending summers in the village. His Saturday lunch dates, regular phone visits with friends and holidays with family were all cherished times. Garth’s charm and quick wit allowed him to form easy friendships and he will be greatly missed by so many. A special thank you to Freddy Tran and family, whose friendship and care was instrumental in Garth’s comfort.
Please join us to celebrate Garth’s life on Thursday December 1, 2022 at St. Paul’s United Church, 60 Main Street, Warkworth, Ontario. Visitation from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm, service at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at the Gathering Place. Interment will take place at Warkworth Cemetery at a later date. A video recording of Garth’s service will be available for viewing at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com. At Garth’s request any in memoriam’s to St Paul’s United Church, Warkworth would be appreciated. Memories, stories & condolences can be shared online at www.weaverfuneralhomes.com
Read more
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Lionel Garth Allen June 28 1938
November 13 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Warkworth, Province: Ontario
death notice Lionel Garth Allen June 28 1938
November 13 2022
mortuary notice Lionel Garth Allen June 28 1938
November 13 2022
This archive page is a cache that aims to check the legality of the content of the hyperlink and could have changed in the meantime. Go to SOURCE above to go to the original page.
I was very saddened to learn of Garth’s recent passing. He played a very significant role in my career as a music teacher, having invited me to be a choral assistant with the Scarborough Schools Youth Choir in the year I introduced a vocal music program at Dr. Norman Bethune CI. I learned so much by watching and listening to him work with the choir and his strong mentorship helped me to develop the confidence I needed to get my program off the ground and keep it running. I was also fortunate enough to be able to join him and the choristers on their highly successful 1985 tour to England and Wales. What a closely knit group of teachers, parent chaperones and students, who worked so hard in their pursuit of excellence, while at the same time enjoying each others’ company and Garth’s wonderful sense of humour during their leisure time, ever under the strong influence and guidance of their revered artistic director, Mr. Allen, who cared as much for each individual student’s mental and physical well-being as he did for the choral magic he was able to create with their combined voices.
My sincerest condolences go out to his family members and to his extended theatre/musical family, dear friends and former students. Rest in peace, Garth!
Joan Andrews,
Goodwood, Ontario