Obituary of Dr. John Hiddleston Allen

Allen, Dr John Hiddleston – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John H. Allen on June 27, 2024 at the age of 88.  He passed away peacefully at Charlotte County Hospital.  John was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but grew up in Sanquhar, Scotland and was the eldest child of Janet and James Allen.

He is survived by his loving wife of 24 yrs, Marilyn (Cunningham);  4 children:  Duncan (Meredith), Morven, Donald (Kara) and Iona (Peter).  As well as 3 step children: Jeff (Lori Ann), Laura (Mike) and Wendy (Eric).  “Grampie from Far Away” will be missed by his grandchildren:  MacGregor and Fiona, Ewan, Meghan and Campbell,  Isla and Moira.  “Grampie John” will also be missed by his grandchildren: Gwen (Oden), Chloe and Lilly, Eli and Sammy, and Josie, Elian, and Efa; as well as his great grandchildren Emma and Theo.  John is also survived by his brother Oliver of Cumbernauld, Scotland; who he spoke with every Sunday and face timed each other while John was in hospital.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Scotland and Australia.  John will be missed by many friends especially his good friend Jochen Schroer (NATECH) of 30 years.

John received his Ph.D. from Kings College, University of Durham, UK.  He was also educated at the University of Strathclyde.  John was a well accomplished Civil Engineer with over 60 years of experience in estuarine, coastal, ocean, and environmental engineering.  He was also a Professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland and a Professor of Engineering at Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, NL.  In the 90’s, John was the Executive Director of Huntsman Marine Science Centre, St Andrews, NB.  In the latter part of his career, until his retirement in 2021, John was a consultant with NATECH Environmental Services Inc, Harvey, NB.  John was involved as a Scout leader while his sons were in scouting.  John was also an active member of Bocabec United Church.  He was also a Licensed Lay Minister and preached at various churches within our presbytery; which he enjoyed very much.

Everyone who knew John knew that he was an avid gardener; he could be seen heading out to his greenhouse with his tilley hat and welly boots every morning and evening!  He also planted various shrubs and Scottish heather in their garden over the years.  John and Marilyn participated in the St Andrew’s market for a number of years.  John enjoyed Scottish Country dancing for many years and if you were lucky enough – you would witness him doing the jig!  He also enjoyed hearing the Scottish bagpipes as well.   At Christmastime, John could be seen at various locations around St Andrews, dressed up as Santa Claus!  John was also known for his love of Mars bars!

Besides his parents, John was predeceased by his sister Doreen.

Marilyn and the family would like to thank Dr Peer, the Nursing staff of the first floor of Charlotte County Hospital and the Extra Mural nurses; who cared for John during this past year, for their exceptional care.

In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no visitation, a private family service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Humphrey’s Funeral Home, St Stephen, NB.