Obituary of Dennis Allen

ALLEN – The family of Dennis Allen, and his beloved wife Sheila of 61 years, sadly announce his sudden and tragic passing on Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Dennis was 86 years old at the time of his death. Dennis was born on July 31, 1939, to Leroy “Lee” and Ida (Anderson) Allen in Gravelbourg, SK. Dennis was the first son with brother Wayne and sister Donna following after. Dennis grew up on the family farm near Bateman, SK and spoke fondly of the dry hot summers abundant with grasshoppers. As a child Dennis enjoyed working on the family farm, playing sports, and attending community gatherings including annual Christmas concerts and summer sporting events. Following graduation, Dennis went on to attend the University of Saskatchewan earning a degree in both Agriculture and Education. In 1963, Dennis met his wife Sheila at the coffee shop in Tisdale, Sk. Together they enjoyed attending social events and dances as their relationship grew. On May 16th, 1964 the two were married at the Tisdale Anglican Church. Together they would have four children Sherri, Charlene, Darcy and Cynthia. Dennis began his teaching career in Arborfield followed by Kamsack and eventually he and Sheila settled in Sturgis where he taught senior sciences for the majority of his career. Following his retirement, Dennis would substitute teach in classrooms where his children and grandchildren were present. They remember these days as being ‘extra productive’ whenever dad/grandpa was the teacher. Through his teaching career, Dennis had the opportunity to create lasting memories with colleagues and impactful lessons and conversations with students. In his spare time, Dennis was an active member of the Sturgis Kinsmen Club attending and organizing many community events including Kin Campouts and Telemiracle. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, refereeing, and coaching. Dennis was also a talented carpenter and is remembered for building not one but two houses for the family to call home. He also spent many hours renovating houses and completing odd jobs for friends and neighbours. He was known for his detailed blue prints, extravagant plans, and drafting abilities. Dennis never left a scrap of wood unused. In his later years, Dennis enjoyed building bird feeders of various designs for the back yard and feeding the many birds that visited their home in Yorkton, SK. Dennis was a very proud family man and kept detailed tabs on all his extended family and their many activities and achievements. He always made an effort to attend school events, Christmas concerts, 4-H speeches, Cadet marches, skating carnivals and sporting events. Dennis maintained ties to the family farm near Bateman, SK and was always wanting to hear about seeding, harvest, or the complaints about the weather from his brother Wayne and nephews. Dennis is remembered for his witty one-liners, homemade gifts, his love of music- specifically Stomping Tom Conners. Many of the kids and grandkids remember adventurous camping trips complete with “canned tulip bacon and big john beans” or unexpected spaghetti food fights. Dennis always kept things interesting with his fun fashion choices including homemade ‘jorts’, unique headwear and the infamous “Covid Stash”. Dennis was always quick to offer company a heavy ounce of dark rum with a splash of flat pop or a cheap brand of beer that no one has ever heard of. The kids and grandkids also remember the sounds of spare change jingling in his pocket ready to purchase a little treat at any time. Dennis is lovingly remembered by his wife Sheila Allen and their four children: Sherri Walker (Vivian), Charlene Spearing (Don), Darcy Allen (Tracy), and Cynthia Casavant (Marc). Dennis will also be missed by his twelve grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Left to mourn is his brother Wayne, sister Donna, sister-in-law’s Pat and Jean as well as brothers-in-laws George, Robert, and Alan; and their families. His absence will be felt by many extended family members, past students and colleagues, as well as community members near and far. Dennis lived by one of his favorite Alan Jackson songs: “Might as well share, might as well smile. Life goes on for a little bitty while”. The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. Childhood memories were shared by the Allen Family. The eulogy was delivered by Megan Walker, Jasmine Spearing–Bowen, Josée Schneider, Erinn Walker, Brooke Walker, and Sophie Casavant. The Photo tribute was shared by Courtney Spearing, Ryley Spearing, and Marco Casavant. Brianna Matejovsky served as urn bearer. Ethan Allen and Dante Allen served as flower bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Dennis may be made to Kinsmen Telemiracle as gifts of remembrance. Condolences may be left for the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com.