In Celebration of
Phil Allmen
March 1, 1937 -
April 22, 2018
Philip passed away on April 22, 2018, at age of 81 at the Dorothy Ley Hospice in Toronto after a four year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Devoted and loving husband to Donna Hrynkiw, predeceased by his first wife Eva. Loving father to Maureen (Peter Sirois), Steven (Heidi Raps-Allmen) and Karen (David Chow). Devoted Grandpa and Papa to Michael, Christine, Jacqui, Mark, Brian, Katie, Laura, Carolyn and Evan. Phil will also be missed by Donna’s mother, Yolanda, son Greg and the Hrynkiw family. He is fondly remembered by his niece Ann (Tom Venetis) and their son Nicholas.
Born in Montreal, Philip was the only child of Gertrude (Britton) and Werner von Allmen. He studied history at Sir George Williams University and received the Governor General’s Silver Medal for Academic Excellence. At Sir George, he met Eva Bartok and they were married in 1958 until her death in 1998.
Phil was a lifelong educator. He started his teaching career in 1961 at Milton District High School before moving to Etobicoke in 1966, becoming the head of the History Department at New Toronto Secondary School. He moved from teaching to administration, becoming Vice Principal at Alderwood CI, Principal at Silverthorn CI, the first Principal at Lakeshore CI and Principal at Martingrove CI, until his retirement in 1994. He enjoyed coaching boys and girls basketball teams throughout his career.
Phil volunteered as the Chair of Harp House and The George Hull Centre for Children and Families. Recently, he was a patient advocate for Pancreatic Cancer Canada, raising the profile of patients in the fight against pancreatic cancer.
He enjoyed cruises, movies, battlefields, sports, crosswords, a lively discussion on any subject, trivia, Scrabble (he usually won) and a fine meal with a nice bottle of red wine.
Losing Eva to cancer was difficult, but Phil carried on. He overcame by focusing on travel, family, volunteering and working as a Returning Officer for several Federal Elections.
When Donna entered his life, they created a devoted, loving marriage. Together they enjoyed travel, theatre, good food, friends and, of course, family.
A special thank you to the wonderful medical professionals who cared for Phil throughout his illness. In particular, Dr. Fogel, Dr. Gallinger, Dr. Albaba and Dr. Hedly, as well as the staff at Toronto General and Princess Margaret hospitals. Deepest thanks to the amazing team at Dorothy Ley Hospice, who cared for Phil and his family with compassion and dignity in his final weeks.
At Phil’s request, cremation has taken place. Visitation at Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas St. W., on Sunday April 29, 2-6 p.m. A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, Phil asked donations be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada or Dorothy Ley Hospice.