Obituary of Keith Allen

Allen, Keith Arden, 68 of Berwick / Advocate passed away peacefully in his sleep in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville snuggled in his grandson Zadoc??s fuzzy blanket, on Thursday, October 18, 2007. He had a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. Arden, as he was called by his family was born in Advocate and the son of the late Curtis & Vera (Knowlton) Allen and the beloved grandson of the late Pearl Knowlton. He is survived by his loving "wifey" of 43 years, the former Carol Bennett; sons; John Keith Russell, Aylesford and Adrian Curtis, berwick; brother, David, Toronto; biological grandchildren, Amanda Griffin and Zadoc Allen; adopted grandchildren, Mateo, Dru, Justice, Jeffery, Emily, Baden, Kody , Ceilidh and his 90 + children from his dy care "Orchards Away"; sister-in-law, Ruth Wilcox, Preston; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Morris, Murray Wyman, Willis & Robert Bennett; many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be missed by his family, devoted staff and especially his little Shih Tzu, Lisa. Arden was predeceased by his brother Lloyd, sisters: Audrey and Louise; brother -in -law, Keith Donkin; extended family Russell & Violet Bennett, Ross, James, Maril & Frances Griffin. Arden attended Advocate school from where he left at an early age to work at Reid??s Mill and Cape D??Or lighthouse. The army was his aim. He joined in 1957 and served his country both in Canada & Germany. Some postings included Gagetown, Aldershot, Petawawa, Halifax & Greenwood. After retiring from CAF in 1977 he enlisted in the Militia and then on to a commissionaire at Aldershot & Greenwood. He enjoyed fishing, hunting & gardening. In 2000 Arden retired again to be a "go fer" for the Day Care he owned. He loved children and was happy when surrounded by family. At Ardens?? request there will be no funeral service. He will be cremated and he wanted his ashes buried with "wifey" when her time on earth is done. His wishes were ffor a big family memorial supper in "God??s Country", Fraserville in the summer of 2008.Arrangements have been entrusted to the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr. (Exit 14), Coldbrook. Donations in his memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Valley Regional Hospital. On line condolences may be made through www.annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com