Obituary of G. Keith Allen, Q.C.

George Keith Allen Q.C., 88, passed away peacefully at Windsor Court on April 25, 2025. Born in Jemseg (Meadowland), NB, on December 28, 1936, Keith was the son of the late Martha Irene (Wilson) and the late Charles Norman Allen. He was the beloved husband and best friend of the late Margaret E. Allen for over 63 years. Sadly, Keith and Margaret were predeceased by their two sons, Gregory and Bradley. Keith was also predeceased by two sisters, Faye Magee and Frances Brooks.

Keith is survived by a son, Kenneth (Gail) Magee, and daughter, Margaret Magee; his brother, Kenneth, and sisters, Margery and Marion; cherished granddaughter, Ally Sharpe; treasured great grandchild, Bella; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Keith attended elementary school in Jemseg and Gagetown. Graduating from Gagetown Grammar School in 1954, he studied law at UNB in Fredericton. After earning his Law degree and being admitted to the New Brunswick Bar in 1960, Keith embarked on a distinguished legal career that spanned over 60 years. He worked for several years at the law firm of Ralph Freeze and also lectured part-time at UNB's Law School. In 1970, he achieved his Master's degree at Osgoode Hall (York University in Toronto) and then returned to Fredericton to join the law firm of Hoyt, Mockler, Allen & Dixon as a partner. Over the years, Keith practiced law as a member of various law firms including McInnes Cooper and Peters Rouse until his retirement in 2022. He was very generous with his time and expertise and was considered a mentor by many young lawyers starting their careers. Keith's contributions to the legal community earned him the prestigious designation of Queen's Counsel.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Keith was a lifetime member of the Fredericton Rotary Club and board member of Easter Seals New Brunswick. He was a Certified Softball Umpire and spent many summers officiating for various local softball leagues in the city. Keith’s hobbies included reading, gardening, boating, fishing and listening to music. His record collection showcased an eclectic taste, featuring artists like Ivan Rebroff, Tommy Makem and the Clancey Brothers, the Vienna Boys Choir, Nana Mouskouri, Tom Lehrer and Spike Jones. Keith loved seafood chowder, baked beans with brown bread, ice cream and blueberry pie. He was not fond of carrots unless they were an ingredient in carrot cake with cream cheese icing. When entertaining, Keith enjoyed the occasional "burst" of Captain Morgan's rum.

Keith possessed a well-developed sense of humour reinforced by a seemingly endless bank of witty sayings and funny anecdotes that appeared out of nowhere. A good story often elicited a grin, a chuckle and his trademark raised eyebrow. Keith was soft-spoken and easy-going. He enjoyed chatting about politics and current affairs with visitors and callers.

A heartfelt thank you to all the nurses and doctors at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital, as well as the staff at Windsor Court for their kindness, compassion and care for Keith during his residence there. Special thanks are due to Lori, Joe and sister-in-law Jean Burke for their unwavering support and kindness to Keith.

A memorial service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 10:00 am. Interment for both Keith and Margaret will take place at 2:30 pm on the same day at the St. John's Anglican Cemetery in Gagetown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Easter Seals NB (Camp Rotary) or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.