Brent Keith Allin, formerly of Weyburn, SK, passed away peacefully at the age of 59 in Regina, SK, on November 15, 2024, with his family and friends by his side. Brent was predeceased by his parents Keith and Bernadette (Bernie), and his beloved aunts and uncles. He is survived by his son Keith Allin, stepson Brandon Kennedy, many cousins, and a multitude of loving friends.
Brent was born on May 29, 1965, in Moose Jaw, SK. He was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease at an early age. Brent showed strength, perseverance and determination throughout his life, inspiring others along the way. Brent's outgoing personality, curiosity, compassion, and his "gift of the gab" helped him fit easily into diverse groups, making lifelong friends.
Throughout his school years, Brent forged friendships by participating in activities with the Cubs, intramural sports, bike rides, music, movies, conversations, debates, student council, playing games, and socializing in his basement. In high school, he discovered a lifelong passion for electronics. He quickly became the school's go-to person for lighting and sound, dedicating himself to school productions, and wildly successful, annual Community Telethons. Brent was the soundman for the high school rock band, Stryder. He collaborated with others to transport and set up equipment. He spent countless hours playing music with his high school friends, forming lifelong bonds. Recently, band members reunited with Brent.
Brent loved visiting extended family and enjoyed many trips to Watrous and Manitou Beach. He spoke warmly of his trips to visit his Aunt Connie and Uncle Ken Kimble, and found himself in awe of the beautiful and rugged scenery enroute to Yellowknife, NWT. As a child, the family cabin at Manitou Beach was his sanctuary for many summers, just down the road from his favourite summer camp, Camp Easter Seal. When he was older, Brent shared the cabin with his friends, creating memories and stories that have lasted a lifetime.
Brent was a gifted and skilled communicator, building relationships and influencing lives within and beyond the community of Weyburn. He was one of Weyburn's most enthusiastic voices and promoters. He valued his career with Weyburn's community television and his employment with Access Communications, holding various positions that allowed him to be an ardent and early advocate of community programming. His efforts provided a forum for Weyburnites to view city council meetings, listen to the views of their politicians, raise money for the community, watch various local sporting events, and see their children and grandchildren on TV. Viewers also learned about local and public individuals through Brent's insightful interviews.
Brent also passionately volunteered his time with Access Communications Children's Fund, a charity that funds projects across Saskatchewan to support the needs of vulnerable children and youth at risk. Brent received several awards over the decades, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to community service. Some of these include the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers' Junior Citizen of the Year (1982), the Weyburn Chamber of Commerce Golden Spike Award (2016), and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022).
Brent's career was shortened by the impact of his progressive illness. Early retirement allowed Brent to immerse himself in benevolent activities such as Weyburn Minor Football, minor sports, the Chamber of Commerce, local service clubs, and the Community Telethon. He also had more time for family and friends, attending Roughrider games, watching the CFL, NFL and MLB, and chasing his dogs, Diefenbaker and The Pug.
In 2022, Brent's deteriorating health condition required him to relocate to Wascana Rehabilitation Centre, and he created a new home in the heart of Regina's Wascana Park. He built new relationships and deepened existing ones as his friends and family found a well-trodden path to his "home room," decorated cheerfully with sports and family memorabilia. As a member of the residents’ council, Brent advocated for the rights of people living at Wascana Rehab. Brent lived a full and meaningful life until the final moment of his passing. He was thankful for the medical care he received throughout his life.
Brent had a huge influence and significant impact on the lives of many people. He was never one to complain or seek pity and he would be the first one to go out of his way to help someone in need. We are thankful our life paths crossed with Brent’s. Our lives have been irreversibly enriched by knowing such a beautiful and amazing person. May his legacy of caring, compassion, fairness, and understanding be upheld in the lives he touched and communities he served. Brent is remembered and is deeply missed.
Brent's Memorial Service will be held in Weyburn at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow at McKenna Hall. Interment will occur next summer in Watrous cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Brent's memory to his favourite Saskatchewan charity, TeleMiracle (Reg. Charity # 10757 1630 RR0001).
For online condolences or to make a donation to TeleMiracle, please visit: www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com or www.rdfamilymemorialchapel.com
