ALLEN, Richard On Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Richard passed away peacefully with sons Daniel and Philip at his side.
Richard’s was a most unique and exemplary life, full of love, insight, and passion to his final days. Born on February 10, 1929 in Vancouver, Richard was the eldest of three children. The son of a United Church minister, Richard’s early years were spent moving around British Columbia as his family was transferred from one pastoral charge to another. In these isolated settings, full of grand and illustrious landscapes and mountains, he cultivated his love of the great Canadian outdoors. As a boy, he would trek up mountains with friends – skis and poles on their backs – all to enjoy one single exhilarating descent.
Richard was born into a familial world that passionately and joyfully celebrated music and the arts. His family held Saturday night sing-songs with friends and neighbours, his mother Ruby – an accomplished pianist – pounding the keys, his father Harold bellowing out the songs with Richard and the guests trying to keep up! In his youth he studied violin, voice, and sang the male lead in his high school’s operetta. Richard’s voice could always be heard singing enthusiastically at church and he regularly enjoyed listening to music at home and attending operas and theatrical performances – his love of music and the arts truly continued throughout his life. His father Harold’s vocation, social engagement, and United Church philosophy introduced Richard to a steadfast love and compassion for fellow humans, a down-to-earth spirituality, a commitment to social justice and political engagement that inspired his academic studies, and later fuelled his professional life.
Richard’s studies culminated in a PhD at Duke University where he pioneered new ground in the field of Canadian Social History, exploring the intersection of religion and social reform in Canada. His labour of love gave birth to his first book The Social Passion. Celebrated in Canadian intellectual circles it transformed Richard into an author of some renown. Holding professorial posts in Canadian history at the University of Saskatchewan (1964-73) and McMaster University (1973-87), his amazing ability to remember and convey not only names, dates, and places, but also historical concepts, stories, and anecdotes, coupled with his warm and friendly demeanour, made him well-liked and respected by students and colleagues alike. It was this same warmth and friendliness and his commitment to social justice that won over the hearts and minds of constituents in the historic 1983 Hamilton West by-election. Richard became the riding’s first ever NDP Member of Provincial Parliament. His constituents were heartened to find a gentle, highly intelligent, non-judgmental man on their doorstep. One who truly listened to their concerns, who patiently took time to discuss issues, and who genuinely regarded them as equals – no matter their background, profession, or gender. He continued serving the riding in his unassuming and dedicated way for 13 years, including five years as a Cabinet Minister in the NDP Provincial government (1990-95).
In retirement, Richard’s focus returned to his passion for research and writing. Embracing technology to support his failing vision, he authored three more books, with his most recent work, Beyond the Noise of Solemn Assemblies: The Protestant Ethic and the Quest for Social Justice in Canada, being published in January 2019. A devoted husband to Nettie and loving father, he shared his deeply rooted values with his family through a long-standing involvement and commitment to Westdale United Church and Wesley Urban Ministries. Leading with their hearts, he and Nettie organized an innovative multi-denominational Family Church School Program. Richard more recently spearheaded the ‘Visiting Speaker Series’, inviting cutting-edge writers to challenge the theological thinking of the congregation and community.
Richard’s love affair with the outdoors and sense of adventure, led his family to spend 25 beautiful summers at West Hawk Lake, MB, where, with the sweat and labours of Nettie and their sons, he passionately restored their historic log cottage. Later in life he and Nettie enjoyed the companionship of their loving dogs, who brought much joy and activity into their lives. Richard wrote beautifully, and kept his friends, colleagues and family connected through annual newsletters that provided updates on life events and critical commentary of societal issues. To paraphrase some thoughts recently shared by good friends: Richard was a kind, gentle man. A person of strong determination and great will-power who deeply cared for all those who were vulnerable or oppressed. Our whole society should send up a shout of thanksgiving that we’ve had the opportunity to be led by this man.
Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years