Allan was born in New Dundee, Waterloo County Ontario, one of five children of W. Floyd Sherk and Marjorie (Bock) Sherk.

He had a lifelong love of music starting in childhood with the family quartet winning prizes at the Kiwanis festival, playing the violin and much choral singing. He had a most eclectic CD collection.

Allan studied engineering at the University of Waterloo in one of the earliest co-op programs, working in Labrador and Montreal during his work terms. He graduated with a BASc (Engineering Physics) in 1965 and a MSc in Mathematics in 1966.

His entire career was in information technology, with many years in the computer department of Imperial Oil in Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto offices including a two-year assignment in Hamburg Germany with Esso AG. He was an early champion of portable computers and partnered in developing the computer networking firm, Charon Systems, which grew to employ
100 staff.

Allan married Carolyn Roberts in 1966 and was a loving father to their two children, Peter and Lisa. After returning from Germany, they moved to the Apple Hills area of Mississauga where they have lived since 1972. With his love for adventure and the outdoors, Allan brought his children on memorable canoe and camping trips to Algonquin Park and later spent many summers at the cherished family cottage on Wahsoune Island in Georgian Bay. Crokinole and ping pong were among his favourite cottage activities.

In addition to entertaining friends and family, Allan and Carolyn traveled extensively throughout Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand/Australia and east Africa and regularly visited the adult children and grandchildren in Montreal, Manhattan, Connecticut, Geneva, Valencia and Amsterdam.

When Allan was 54, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In the early stages, he was able to travel and participate in the Parkinson’s choir, dancing and boxing. As the disease progressed, he attended a marvellous day program in Mississauga, the Seniors Life Enhancement Centre (SLEC), enjoying music, exercise and other social activities. With a twinkle in his bright blue eyes, Allan would always smile and wave and never complained despite a tough situation. He loved ice cream, popcorn and many cookies!
For many years, his movement disorders neurologist, Dr. Earl Consky, and pharmacist, John Girgis, made sure he had the correct medications, helping him to manage his condition in a way that, together with his strong determination and positive spirit, allowed him to live his life to the fullest.

Allan was able to stay at home until the end with the care of Carolyn and wonderful personal support workers from Nucleus Supports for Independent Living and Able Living Recharge program. He died peacefully in our garden on a beautiful sunny day, with Carolyn holding his hand.

A good life, well-lived.

He had the love and caring support of his children: Peter (Paula) Westport Connecticut and Lisa (Amitai) Amsterdam, the Netherlands and the Roberts family: especially Ruth, Ted (Kathryn), Diane, William (Eileen), Deborah, Richard (Wendy), Jessica (Adam), Joel (Fatema) and Lindsay. He leaves four wonderful grandchildren: Spencer, Chris, Tamuz and Hetty. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Kathryn. He is survived by his siblings, Marian (Fred), Vernon (Leone), Alice and many Sherk nieces, nephews and cousins.

His ashes will be interned at White Chapel cemetery Ancaster in a private family service. A celebration of life will be planned for the fall.

For donations, please consider SLEC, Nucleus and Able Living or your charity of choice.