ROGERS, Allen Lloyd

It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Allen Rogers, with family at his side, on March 23, 2021 at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, ON. Born in Bridgewater, Allen was the first child born to Edith (Weatherbee) and Lester Rogers.

Following his early education in Bridgewater and at Kings Collegiate in Windsor, he enrolled in the R.C.A.F. and began basic training in Ontario. By 1960, Allen pursued his long time love of cooking and began working in the restaurant industry. While in management with the Pickin’Chicken chain in Toronto, Allen was able to help many fellow Nova Scotians with employment. By the 1970s, Allen opened his own restaurant in St. John New Brunswick, creating a retro automotive-themed decor for his patrons. Eventually he accepted a managerial position with the fast growing Smitty’s Pancake restaurant chain travelling to many parts of Canada and the US to assist in opening many new locations. Following his retirement, Allen relocated to Fort Erie where he soon developed a new talent as a vegetable gardener providing his family, friends and neighbours with tasty and nutritious produce. Wanting to be closer to his family, Allen sold his Fort Erie home and returned to the Toronto area moving into a seniors apartment complex and continuing to work part time at a Cora restaurant and volunteering in the kitchen at Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton. The arrival of COVID-19 led to full retirement at the age of 85 followed by a combination of health issues that resulted in hospitalization prior to his passing. Two of numerous highlights and achievements during Allen’s lifetime were more than forty trips to Cuba and his suggestion and participation in a well attended Rogers family reunion in Bridgewater in 2015.

Besides his parents, Allen was predeceased by his daughter Amber Lynn (Rogers) Young and sisters-in-law Linda and Carol.

He is survived by son Shawn (Rogers) Young (Chris), daughters Tracey (Stacey) Rogers and daughter Jessie (Kyle), Kelly (Paul) Busnello and their children Ryan and Ariana, and brothers Conley, Lorne, Paul (Cathy), Philip (Wendy) of Nova Scotia and sister Susan (Stephen) Maunula, Calgary.

Memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House in Hamilton or to a charity of your choice. Cremation has taken place under the direction of L.G. Wallace Funeral Home in Burlington where a family obituary may be viewed.