Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Allan was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at a young age. Despite being legally blind by the time he was a teenager, he boldly travelled the world, served in the Canadian Foreign Service and wrote a detailed autobiography and philosophical treatise in retirement.
At the beginning of his career, Allan was the only blind diplomat in the Canadian Foreign Service. He served in various consular roles at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo until 1982, and the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi, and Canadian Embassy in Nepal until 1988.
Allan retired in the early 1990s, shortly before completely losing his vision. He spent roughly 20 years researching and writing "Beyond Vision," a book which documented his progressive blindness and spinal pain, but more importantly his insights into the nature of consciousness.
Allan was curious, thoughtful, intelligent, and determined. In his final days, he was grateful and preoccupied with the small comforts of life. He is survived by his wife, Priscila and son, Evan. Allan was 81 years old.
Digital Guestbook
Ann MB Johnson
Randle Wilson
Allan was a valued colleague more than forty years ago, in a trade policy division. He looked so "normal" and "respectable", but would occasionally uncork some outrageous, unexpected and totally hilarious comment and catch us all off guard!
ISABEL HUGGAN
I had the honor and privilege to be a "reader" for Allan's BEYOND VISION as it was published by McGill-Queen Press, and we had correspondence as a result of my queries and suggestions. We never met, although we had several friends in common, but still I felt (as a result of reading his memoir), as if knew him very well. My admiration for Alan's fine mind and brave life was/is very real, and my sympathy now for his family truly heartfelt.
Ken Pearson
I spent a lot of time working with Allan on his book and got to know him quite well. He led a very fulll and interesting life despite his visual challenges. Well read, articulate, and a true gentleman. My sincere sympathies to Priscilla and Evan.
Daniel Livermore
Allan was a brilliant analyst and a fine foreign service officer who served with distinction despite physical and health issues that defy easy description. His book is a master-piece and should be required reading. Farewell, Allan, you made an enormous contribution.
Gary J Smith
Allan and I worked together at the Canadian High Commission in New Delhi at a challenging time in the mid to late nineteen eighties. He was a remarkable diplomat with a keen analytic mind who set high standards for himself. He willed his way to overcome his sight impairment being one of the first to work with a voice activated computer aided by his trusted secretary, Ann Johnson. Alan, underpinned by his loving wife Priscila, was a fine gentleman and exceptional human being. He was an inspiration for many.
Louise Branch
He was a great role model.
Ferry de Kerckhove
In my early years in policy planning with Paul Chapin, Allan was a fountain of knowledge, always with a bit of smirk for our ignorance of so many things he mastered! A gentleman who could become irritated by unserious comments or hasty judgments. A very fine gentleman!
Allan was not only an amazing colleague to work with during our Posting to India but as well, he and his wife Pricilla became like family to us and we continued to visit and share our adventures with them. He will be sadly missed.