BOAKE, Allenby

In his 99th year, on New Year’s Day at 11:11 am, Allenby Boake took his last breaths peacefully at home, surrounded by family, love and music. Born in Downsview, Ontario, in the 5th generation of a family of local farmers, he was predeceased by his siblings Cam, Herb and Mary. His wit, wisdom and spontaneous musical outbursts will be missed by all who knew him, especially his wife Ruth (McGillivray), and his children Jane, Barbara (Don Rooke), Briar (Brigham Phillips) and Kingdon (Joan). He was a wonderful grandfather to Sammy and Carly Cope, Clayton and Grace Rooke, Linden and Cali Phillips and Alex and Bryan Boake. His exceptional football and hockey skills were developed between his farm chores and his first job as a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse. A career as a professional athlete was thwarted by WWlI, where he served as an army captain. Upon his return, he formed his own business selling food products coast to coast. He retired at 50, allowing him to become a full time golfer and a stay-at-home dad, curling coach and musical inspiration to his girls.

Sincere thanks to Dr. Julie McIntyre (Robinson), Chris Brokenshire and Mona Polhill for their loving support, and for the kindness of family, friends and community. Visitation will be held at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 201 Minet’s Point Rd., Barrie, Friday January 6th, 2017, from 7 – 9 pm. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 7th, 2017 at 1 pm at Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd., Etobicoke. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 15 , 2017 from 3-5pm at St George's Golf and Country Club, 1668 Islington Ave. If you wish, donations in Al’s memory may be directed to COPE Service Dogs (Canines in the Classroom program) at www.copedogs.org. Online memories and condolences can be shared at www.steckleygooderham.com.