North Sydney, NS
January 21, 2025
With sadness, but also with pride and respect for a long and accomplished life, the family announces the passing of Emerson Allen on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, just shy of his 94th birthday. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
A life-long resident of North Sydney, Emerson was predeceased by his brothers Elburn and Corson, and by his sister Eleanor (Hadley).
Emerson is survived by his wife, Christena (MacLean) and their six children: Fraser (Kathleen), Sandra (John), Shawn (Michelle), Lloyd (Cindy), Cheryl and Lorne. He is also survived by his grandchildren Michael (Tammy), Nicholas, Christena, Logan, Oliver, Allie, Kyle, Dale and Amy, and three great-grandchildren - William, Connor and Claire. Also survived by his sister-in-law Sylvia Dolomont, and by his nieces and nephews.
With a very strong work ethic, his was always a life of doing and building. Certified as an electrician, he was also skilled in carpentry and plumbing and all manner of construction, and practiced all of these on numerous large and small projects over the decades. He also earned his Certified in Management designation (C.I.M.) in 1972.
Emerson was a founder and managing partner of many businesses over the years: Allen and Brown Electrical in the 50's and early 60's, Cape Breton Trailer Sales Limited from 1964 to about 1972, Allen Buses Limited from 1961 to approximately 1980 and the Clansman Motel Limited from 1964 to present day.
Dad served as a volunteer board member with the Northside Economic Development Assistance Corporation (NEDAC) from 1987 to 2024, and was also on several other tourism and business boards and associations for many years, always looking to improve business and tourist attractions in Cape Breton.
Emerson was employed with the Nova Scotia government in charge of the apprenticeship office in Sydney from 1961 to 1986, where he certified hundreds of journeymen over the years.
Dad never ceased improving, expanding and maintaining the Clansman. His last big project there was to make a walking trail through the woods, working mostly by hand at age 91 and 92!
Emerson also found time to be active in sports all his life. This included decades of attending "adult skating" in Sydney. He was an avid member of the curling club in North Sydney for years, and later the Sydney curling club. He was a skilled sailor and competed in many races in Sydney harbour, and in Baddeck well into his 80's. Swimming in the pool at the Clansman was a favourite summertime activity, and was always a chance to socialize as well.
Dad was a life-long member and supporter of St. Matthew Wesley United Church in North Sydney.
Dad gave and contributed more in life than he ever took. His many contributions to his community and family will be greatly missed. He always enjoyed social occasions, and would surely like us all to celebrate his life at this time.
The family is deeply grateful to everyone who made his last year as comfortable as possible.
Visitation for Emerson will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, Monday, January 27, 2025, at the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, January 28, in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
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