"He strived to make a difference"
The family of Louis Allen Sullivan
– known to many as Al or "Uncle Al" –
are saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, February 29, 2024 in
the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater at the age of 77. Born
in Wolfville, he was a son of the late Billie Sullivan and Buelah
(Carey) Surette.
Throughout his
working career, Allen was an insurance and financial advisor with
Household Finance, then with Prudential Insurance, and then with
London Life until his retirement. He was an avid reader, a World War
II history buff, a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays, and
loved spending time being Poppy to his beloved grandchildren.
Allen was always committed to being a
volunteer in various capacities but this really kicked into overdrive
once he retired. He was passionate about volunteer service and giving
back to his community - he viewed it as an extension of his faith and
service to God.
He was involved in
various ways with numerous groups and fundraising efforts throughout
Lunenburg County over his lifetime, including: Pleasantville Baptist
Church, Pleasantville Fire Department, Operation Christmas Child,
Autism Nova Scotia, Pentz Elementary School, Bridgewater Lions Club,
South Shore Regional Hospital, the Health Services Foundation of the
South Shore Radiothon, Lunenburg County Citizens On Patrol, Canadian
Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Canadian Blood Services,
and much more. He also served at various times on the boards of the
LaHave River Credit Union, the Health Services Foundation of the South
Shore, and Crandall University in Moncton, New Brunswick. Allen had a
soft spot in his heart for kids in need and he loved being an
encouragement and mentor to kids of all ages.
Allen was highly motivated to help people
and families who have been touched by cancer. While he and
his wife Anne were both going through treatments themselves he had a
vision of creating a cancer care room at the South Shore Regional
Hospital to help support local cancer patients and their
caregivers. He joined with others to form the David Atkinson
Memorial Bonspiel for Cancer to raise funds to help make this
happen. The Journey Room was opened in 2015 – a
dream come true for both Allen and Anne and they have been active
volunteers in the room as long as they were able.
Allen received many awards and recognition
for his volunteerism. He did not volunteer to get recognition
– he hated getting his picture taken! – but he was
humbled and honoured each time. Some of these include:
The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee
Medal
The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Nova
Scotia)
Nova Scotia Provincial Volunteer of the Year
(2008)
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Volunteer
Service Award (2023)
Rotary International – Paul
Harris Fellow
Lions Club International – Melvin
Jones Fellow
Pleasantville Fire Department – made
an Honorary Firefighter after retiring from active service (41 years
total) in Dec 2023
He is survived by
Anne, his wife of 52 years;
their children, Cheryl (Jerry)
Hanel, Oklahoma and Michael (Stacey) Sullivan, Hammonds Plains;
grandchildren Luke, Grace, Elias, and Ian Sullivan
sisters Valeria Sullivan and Judi (Edward) Hollett, both of
Halifax;
father-in-law Earl Johnstone, North Sydney
sisters in law Louise (John) Yahn of Cambridge, ON and Susan
(Wally) Hannem of Timberlea; nieces Jane, Louise, Gillian,
Jo-Leen, and their families
cousins, aunts, uncles,
extended family in the Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, and
Ontario
He was predeceased by his
parents; his brother, Billie; his mother-in-law Yvonne
Johnstone.
Cremation has taken place
and there will be no visitation, by request.
Funeral
service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the
Pleasantville Baptist Church, with Rev. Richard Moore and Rev. Phil
Locke officiating.
Burial will take
place at a later date in a private family service.
Family
flowers only by request.
In honour of
Allen’s memory, we encourage you to give an act of service
wherever you see a need. Allen was passionate about
spreading the message that if everyone would do one thing to help
those around us our world would be a better place. Donations in
Allen’s memory may also be made to Pleasantville Baptist
Church, Pleasantville Fire Department or to a charity of your
choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the
R.A. Corkum Funeral Home, Wileville, where on-line inquiries and
condolences may be directed
to www.corkumfuneralhome.ca
For anyone wishing to watch the service, the link is posted below
