Born in Lodz, Poland, emigrated to Canada with his parents in 1926, and died on Friday, July 5, at Sunnybrook Veterans Residence with his loving wife by his side.
Predeceased by his father Yankel and mother Sureh-Mindle, his brother Harold, sister-in-law Marcia, nephew Joel, and his first wife, Sylvia Truster. Allan is survived by his wife Esther Israelski, his children Avivah (Elliott), Sholom (late Erminia), Adam (Alvin) and Evan (Mira), his grandsons Sam (Eden) and Sasha (Cate), and great-grandsons Ben and Ira, along with his adopted family, Patricia Joseph, Brian Grell, Sheryl Paul, and their many children and grandchildren.
Allan was, among other things, a painter, soldier, designer, filmmaker, farmer, craftsman, poet, and novelist. He also had the honour of being formally adopted by Cayuga Chief Deskaheh and given the name Hohdreewahsteestont (“He who is in charge,” a reference to his direction of the film The Longhouse People).
The last act of his long, storied life was centred on the Royal Canadian Legion, where his membership and service brought him great pride and joy. He served as Grand Marshall for the 2023 East York Canada Day parade.
The family is deeply grateful to the wonderful staff of the Veterans Residence at Sunnybrook, who took such warm, diligent, and loving care of him in his final months.
To learn more about his life in his own words, visit allanwargon.blogspot.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 10—Todmorden.
A funeral service took place on Monday, July 8, at Steeles Memorial Chapel.
