Allan Keith Huisman was born to Corrie and Diane Huisman January 6th, 1972, in Hamilton, Ontario. When he and his brother Glenn were still quite small, the family moved to Thornloe, Ontario where the family ran a gas station/convenience store attached to their home. He grew up there with his brothers Glenn & Adam and close friend Ron, surrounded by many friends and family. He attended schools locally, Kerns Public School and the high school now known as Temiskaming District Secondary School. It was in that high school that Allan met his future wife, Donna, in French class.
Allan held many jobs in the area, but the one in his teenage years that he most spoke about may have been his work as a DJ at the local radio station, CJTT. He continued his education at Humber College in Etobicoke, Ontario where he started in the radio broadcasting program but transitioned to computer engineering. While working on his computer engineering diploma, he worked part-time for the college computer department, moving up quickly from the front-line help desk to full-time Server, Storage and Enterprise Systems Administrator. After working at the college, Allan worked at Northern Protocol in Barrie, as it was closer to his Innisfil, Ontario home. He met many people through his work and made many more friends. He eventually transitioned from the on the road job to an “office” job with Simcoe County School Board. Outside of work, Allan was involved for periods of time in both the Masons and Boston Terrier Rescue.
Allan loved to ride his motorcycle and the road trips. He also enjoyed playing on-line games with family and friends, finding new gadgets, programs or computer “toys”, bits and pieces, learning about them and sharing what he knew. He enjoyed working on his “new” property in Coldwater, Ontario tending his beehive, producing his own honey and maple syrup.
Many have described Allan as a great guy, hardworking, always willing to help and lend a hand. Known to tell it like it is, he could be rather blunt, but he could also say things in a way that most people would walk away okay, not insulted or offended. Allan had been known to have a soft heart when it came to pets and animals. He had a variety of pets as he grew up including a few million bees, but he always had a special spot for his dogs.
Allan had been known by a variety of names and titles; Al, Big Al, Big Guy, son, brother, husband, uncle and even Alibaba (possibly in reference to the magic he did with the computers and their systems.)
Allan passed away on June 6th, 2023, much too soon for all that knew him, 51 years old at Simcoe Hospice after a battle with cancer.
Allan leaves behind his beloved wife of 27 years, Donna (nee Jarvis), his father Corrie and brothers Glenn (Guylaine), Adam, “brother from another” Ron Lyman, his nephews and nieces Jacob & Angela, Daniel & Ashley, Kaylee & Ace/Anna. As well as his in-laws Sharon Jarvis (mother-in-law), Wayne Jarvis (Kim), Brian Jarvis (Kent & Michael), Irene Lockrey (Ted), Terri Welsh (Glenn) and Angela Grisdale (Jeremy). He is predeceased by his mother Diane (nee Oliphant), and fuzzy children (the dogs) that brought much joy and laughter to him and Donna; Lady, Blaze, Lucky & Lucy, Milo and “Stewie” (Stewart).
While Allan was not committed to any one charity, he would have appreciated any donations be made to any pet/animal rescue as all deserve help.
There will be a celebration of life later this year to honor him. It is likely to include smoked meats and drinks around a bonfire with many friends and family telling tales of Allan’s trademark jean shirts, memorable moments and his “not so proud/smart” moments with lots of laughter and possibly a few tears.
Please post a story of Allan that you wish to share or a note of how Allan affected your life on Basic Funerals, Barrie (barrie.basicfunerals.ca) obituary for him so that we share the joy that was his life and of his presence that will be missed. Thank you.