It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Allen, our cherished son, husband and father. Allen was born March 4, 1969, in a British Military Hospital in Iserlohn West Germany to parents Bella Holowanky and Michael Burgess.
Being part of a military family now, he went on to live in Soest W. Germany, Petawawa (ON), Baden-Solingen W. Germany, Toronto (ON) and Ottawa (ON).
Allen was a private man who loved being married, working on his house and yard, being part of the Tech world and reading especially spy and western novels.
Allen is predeceased by his oldest son Jason, his maternal grandparents, Yvonne (Chartrand) and Steve Holowanky (Sudbury, ON), who during summer vacations took him, his brother Jeffrey, cousins Jennifer, Suzanne and Stevie camping. Allen especially liked the games Baba and Gido invented.
Also predeceased by his paternal grandparents Faye Sweezey and Ron Burgess, uncles Ronny, cousin David (Sudbury, ON) uncle Charlie (Toronto, ON) and aunt Margaret Lehman (Pembroke, ON).
Allen is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Carolina, and dear son of 20 years Jordan, brother Jeffrey (Grand Prairie, AB), parents Bella and Michael (Stittsville, ON), aunts Vivian Ross (Lantz, NS) and Brenda Burgess (Sudbury, ON).
He is also survived by his uncles Merv Holowanky (Kakabeka Falls, ON), Kevin Holowanky (Grand Prairie, AB), Richard Burgess (Sudbury, ON) and cousins Jennifer Roebuck (Edmonton, AB), Suzanne Azizan (Ottawa, ON), Stevie Holowanky (Thunder Bay, ON), Becky and Tyler Ross (NS).
Suffering from ALS, Allen chose to be treated at home. He was lovingly cared for by his wife and son. Both were tremendously skilled and wonderfully committed to giving Allen all the attention and support he needed. They received extensive help and guidance from the Ontario Health at Home program that provided trained personnel to attend to Allen needs, both emotionally and technically.
Both support equipment and connections from ALS Society were given freely and without charge. Donations to the ALS organization in your area would be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place. Allen will be inurned at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, following a service and reception at his home.
Digital Guestbook
Nidhi Bhargav
Kirby Koster
I worked closely with Allen at Dragonwave where we both supported customers in troubleshooting technical issues. Allen was always upbeat and enthusiastic to help solve a problem.
He was a great team player and dedicated employee. He also was a dedicated father and husband, talking about his family often with pride.
Rest in peace Allen.
I worked with Allen during my time at DragonWave and it was a pleasure.
Saddened to hear this news.
My condolences to his family.