From: Barbara McPhee Cytko
Relation: Nieces: Jo-Lynn, Barb (Janko), Donna (Allan) grand niece Danielle (Lorrie (RIP) and families.

Remembering Our Uncle Allan,

God Bless Sheila, his family and friends left behind to mourn his sudden passing.

This is a bit long because it is from the four of us. These last few decades saw many opportunities to visit and share time with Uncle Allan and Sheila, in addition to our many other family members in Powell River.

As wee girls, we remember fondly that we saw him as a handsome teenage Uncle. He was only a decade plus year or two older than us. Uncle Allan was kind to us, and made us laugh, and this was the way he extended himself as soon as we turned the corner to greet him. It did not matter the gap in time, how little or long, Uncle had that delight in his eye as if we had been away so long (even if we saw him days before), and that huge hug… Like a teddy bear ….

He shared many stories and over time, we heard of all his endeavours; for sports, charities, or for enjoying time with friends and family. He had many, many friends, adventures and good times with them, but it would take a book to write about it all. He had a more than a few sports accolades to his name; in hockey, baseball, track and field. Our grandma (Renee McPhee) kept many news clippings in a scrapbook for him, along with other family members accomplishments. We noticed that his strong work ethic that prevailed in his youth, went throughout his working years and well on into his retirement.

When our Dad (Donald McPhee) passed 30 years ago, he became that surrogate Dad, who focused on all the good of those he loved, not on their shortcomings, but the great stories and antics of childhood, or even in adulthood. For that we are so very grateful. He kept close to his sister-in-law, Donna (our Mom and Step Mom, – Mom to Don and Jeannie) and that relationship made life so much better to stay connected as a family.
He kept in touch with his niece, Jo-Lynn through phone and cards all these years when she lived at a far distance.

He taught us a lot, the fun laughing times, as well as the tough times; his caring for his parents as they aged (along with his sisters). Then when his sisters, Jo-Lynn (Dennis) , Sheila (Jack) and their spouses became unwell, he (and Sheila) helped above and beyond. He always showed up when really needed.

There was a side of Uncle Allan many did not see, other than the Scottish heritage stereotypes at times. (smile). He had a very sensitive side too. For as many laughs and joys that took place, the sorrow (and sometimes tears) would flow thinking of those he loved, now gone.

He often shared how grateful he was for his Sheila in his life and we could see that they enjoyed a special relationship, that made one feel happy they had a good life together. He shared how much he loved family, especially his grand children and great grandchildren…all so dear to him.

Donna and Barb were fortunate to live on the lower Sunshine Coast these past decades, and as a result many great visits of outings and suppers (Uncle was a really good cook – as is Sheila) that remain so nicely embedded in our memory. The last visit in November, saw us walking the seawall, the sun shining brilliantly, calm waters, as Uncle reminisced about childhood days and adventures along that stretch of beach. He relayed a cool story about our Dad finding a dingy (or was it a canoe?) washed up on shore – only half of it left. He (our Dad) thought he found a prize… brought it home, patched up the one end and took it back to the ocean to see if it was seaworthy, it lasted for a wee while – probably still at the bottom of that ocean. We had a good laugh at that image he painted. Little did we know, that would be our last time with him.

One will always see a person through their own lens of experience, but these words remain, we cherished him and he always showed (in many ways) that he cherished us.
May God Grant Allan McPhee, our dear Uncle, a wonderful place in that heavenly realm where he can join his beloved family and friends.
We should not weep for him, as the great saying goes, but be happy he was in our lives for the time we had.

Love Jo-Lynn, Barb (Janko), Donna (Allan), Danielle (daughter of Lorrie (RIP)) and families.