Obituary of Gordon Allingham

Gord was a wonderful husband and best friend of Sheila (McAdam) for 44 years. He was predeceased by his sisters, Shirley (Morgan) and Lilly (Traversy) and his brothers Harry, Willy and George. Born in Ottawa, Gord led a very full, active and eventful life. As a teenager he always had a job after school. At 13 he worked as a waterboy at the West End Vets housing construction and at 16 delivered milk and butter for Clark's Dairy on a horse drawn wagon. His first full time job was with Crain Printers, followed by National Research Council, an interviewer at Computing Devices and a bookkeeper at Cam Grant Electric. Teaching was Gord's proudest accomplishment. A fondly remembered teacher at Bayshore Public School who was loved and respected by many students. As one of his former students said, "Mr. Allingham was a legend at Bayshore Public School."

A fitness enthusiast, he dedicated over forty years at Vic Tanny's/ Carlingwood Club. He also found time to teach jazz and tap at his friend's dance studio in Ottawa and Almonte for over ten years. Gord loved the outdoors. For many years he enjoyed biking, jogging, golfing, kayaking at his cottage, nordic walking, skating and cross country skiing. He loved his country and spent numerous summers camping with his wife from the east to the west coast. The Rockies had a special place in his heart. Hobbies brought him much joy and satisfaction. Oil painting, stained glass and gardening/landscaping were his favorites.

A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Carlingview Manor for their care and compassion for Gord.

In accordance with Gord's wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. A gathering to raise a glass to Gord will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gord's name to the Irving Greenberg Cancer Center at the Queensway Carleton Hospital, Ottawa Heart Institute, or the Alzheimer’s Society.