December 8, 1940 - October 9, 2019
Leaves loving wife, Susan Rehnby Wardell; son Bart Wardell (Sabine); stepdaughters Kirsten (Richard), Maret (Jason), Elise (Brad); step-grandchildren Alexandre, Daphne, Elijah, Nigel, Astrid, Trajan, Freya; stepdaughters Carolyn Humphrey & Jaime Humphrey; step-granddaughter Sarah Humphrey-Fritz; brother Dave Wardell (Carole) niece Cheryl Wardell Whyley, nephew Doug Wardell (Patsy). Allen grew up in White Rock, and later lived and worked mainly on Vancouver Island.
After graduating from Semiahmoo HS, he began his logging career, working for several companies at locations including Mahatta River, Jeune Landing, Holberg, and Port McNeil. He worked in various logging roles and rose through management ranks, spending a year in Vancouver at Head Office with Rayonier. His last position was on the Queen Charlotte Islands as Camp Manager. He started his own company in 1980: Wardell Loggers Troubleshooting Service Ltd. working in BC, Arizona, and Brazil, solving machinery problems, and engineering creative solutions. Allen was passionate about many things: flat track motorcycle racing; flying a Cherokee 150 owned with brother Dave; his Harley-Davidson; building model planes and participating in competitions; and a life-long interest in the twoWWeras. Tragically, Allen's life was shortened by Pulmonary Fibrosis, diagnosed in 2012. If able, he would have continued his consultant work. However, Allen, the strongest man many of us will ever know, managed to outlive his initial prognosis of 1-3 years. Despite his illness, he was able to enjoy travelling. Allen will be remembered by all for his optimism, creative mind, love of friends and family, and appreciation of good rum. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Khalil at the UBC Lung Centre for her care and interest in Allen's condition. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Allen's name to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 25, 2020 at 2:00 at the Blackfin Pub on Comox Avenue.