ALLAN: Wilhelmina (Ina) Kennedy Allan, July 18, 1939 - April 15, 2013, Ina Allan passed away after a long illness (Pulmonary Fibrosis) in Biggar, Sask. at the age of 73 years. She is sadly missed by her daughter, Kristina Weir, grandsons, Jake and Jim of North Battleford, Sask.; brother, Jim Wilson of Biggar, Sask.; brother-in-law, Jack Allan of Saskatoon, Sask.; sister-in-law, Barb Smith of California, USA; and various nieces and nephews and cousins in Canada, Scotland and the USA. Ina was born in Motherwell, Scotland and emigrated to Canada in 1961, where she was employed for most of her working life at the Saskatoon Star Phoenix (Circulation Department). She left in 1968 to marry Glenn (Scottie) Allan and start a family. They moved to Prince George, B.C. but returned to the Saskatoon area (Asquith) in 1975 and Ina returned to the Star Phoenix, while Scottie embarked on a new career as an Addictions Counsellor at Calder Centre. He had previously worked on the railroad in both Saskatchewan and B.C. Ina's career was cut short by poor health in 1984 and in 1986 they moved to the Battlefords for Scottie to continue his work in addictions. Despite her health problems, Ina was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, church and community member. She had many hobbies and interests, including, reading, all types of needle craft, painting and singing. She also loved animals, gardens and travelling and her secretarial training helped her to fill various volunteer roles over the years. In 2000 Ina and Scottie retired to Biggar but Scottie died suddenly that same year. Ina bravely decided to "stick to the plan" and stay in Biggar, despite knowing very few people! The 13 years Ina spent in Biggar were full of loving support and friendships that she developed through her involvement in local churches and the various community activities she joined. She held several offices within the Presbyterian Church, sang with several choirs and was a member of the Biggar Museum Board, the Fortnightly Group and the painting club. She had to give up singing in 2009, as her disease progressed, but ws able to continue attending her clubs when her brother Jim moved in to look after her. She was able to stay at home almost until her death, as was her wish. Kristina and the boys are extremely grateful to "Uncle Jim" for making this possible! Ina loved Biggar and her life there and never missed an opportunity to remind people that, "Your community is what YOU make it and you should support it with your time, money and involvement!" Memorial Services will be held in the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Biggar on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Kleiner officiating. Lunch to follow in the church hall. Tributes in memory of Ina may be made to Biggar Museum & Gallery, Box 1598, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0; or Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 1231-8th St., Saskatoon, SK, S7H 0S5; or the Biggar & District Health Services Foundation Inc, (formerly Friends of the Lodge), Box 1003, Biggar, SK, S0K 0M0. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Grondin Funeral Services, Biggar, "Our family serving Your family for 50 years". ____________________________________________________
