We are sad to share that Ivan Allen passed away on January 13, 2026, at Spencer House in Orillia, Ontario. He was 90 years old and close to turning 91.
Ivan leaves behind his wife Nelda (née Morrow), whom he was married to for 68 years. He was a caring dad to Sue (Mark Clayton), Barb (Steve Woodburne), Steve (Lesa), and Gord (Janet). Ivan was also a proud grandfather to Jocelyn, Kevin (Veronica), Mackenzie (Dave Mordak), Connor, Angela, Caileigh, Riley, Emily, and Trinity. His siblings Orval (Betty) and Elda (née Telford-Scott) also survive him.
Born on February 11, 1935, in Englehart, Ontario to Myrrill and Estella Allen (née Nelson), Ivan grew up on the family farm. After finishing at the University of Toronto in 1956, he started teaching math at Markham District High School for six years. Then in 1963 he moved over to the North York Board of Education where he worked until retiring in 1990. He held several key roles including math supervisor, professional development coordinator, principal and vice-principal.
From 1957 until retirement in 1990 Ivan lived in Markham before relocating to Brechin.
Ivan met Nelda when they were kids and they got married back in ’57. Together they raised four kids and were active members of their community. A big part of Ivan’s life was his involvement with the United Church of Canada – not just locally around Markham and Brechin but also nationally through its General Council.
Ivan had lots of interests outside work too. He and Nelda traveled quite a bit-lots of cruises plus road trips across Canada and the US. He loved being outdoors; summers camping and fishing at Algonquin Park or Madelaine Lake brought him real happiness. He enjoyed woodworking and photography as hobbies too, along with taking care of his home grounds. In recent years when moving around became tougher for him, he still looked forward to daily rides around the neighborhood on his golf cart where he’d stop to say hi to neighbors and their dogs.
The funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on April 11th, 2026 at Brechin United Church located at 3252 Ramara Road 47 in Brechin. Visitors can come from noon till service time. More details are available at www. manganfuneralhome. com.
If you want to honor Ivan’s memory without flowers please consider donating instead to Alzheimer Society of Ontario (https://alzheimer. ca/on) or any charity that means something personal to you.
