Allen Ross Napper was a loving, compassionate and principled man who lived his life authentically, thoughtfully and joyfully.
Born in Winnipeg to Charles and Pat Napper, Allen is pre-deceased by his sister Carol Parkes and his brothers-in-law Garry Krepart, Don Parkes and Ken Macaulay. He leaves his wife Janet, his sister Lynne Macaulay, his sister-in-law Lynn Krepart and his nieces and nephews.
His family and friends, asked to contribute their memories to this tribute, overwhelmingly spoke of his kindness and his loyalty. In their words --
Allen was intelligent and had a quick, dry sense of humour...He was incredibly resilient and courageous and had the ability to push through his medical problems and still retain a positive attitude.
He had such a warm smile...He was a quiet observer of his surroundings and accepted people for who they were...He was perceptive -- nothing ever escaped him...We loved his sense of humour and his adventurous spirit...He was "classy" in the way he dressed and in the way he lived...He was so smart!
Allen was a gentleman and a gentle man...His friendship was the truest kind...He was accepting and non-judgemental and I will miss my friend.
Allen earned a B.A from the University of Manitoba and was one of the first MBAs to graduate from the University of Toronto, after which he went on to a career with Imperial Oil and Scotiabank.
Allen loved listening to jazz and to reading -- anything from ancient and modern history to mysteries and westerns -- but his true passion was travelling. While still a student, he spent a year exploring Europe. He and Janet took every opportunity to continue travelling throughout their working lives and finally, in retirement, they travelled as often and as long as possible, which was a joy to them both.
Allen and Janet went to her high-school graduation together, and they were married for 56 years. He was a quiet and sweet romantic who, on each anniversary, sent her an ever-increasing bouquet of roses to mark each year they were together.
Allen and Janet were each other's constant and life-long companions. They were each other's love, and partner and soul mate.
Allen loved life so very much -- he will be missed.