Dr. H.H. Allen M.D., F.R.C.S.C., O Ont.
April 15, 2025
Dr. H.H. Allen
M.D., F.R.C.S.C., O Ont.
It is with deep sadness that the Allen family mourns the peaceful passing of Harry Hugh Allen in his 102nd year at home with his family on April 15, 2025. He leaves children Larry (Patty) and grandchildren Tricia, Hugh and Richie; Jim, deceased January 17, 2004 (Jennifer) and grandchildren Baillie, Hillie and Abby; Joanne (Gren Schoch); Kathy and grandchildren Jay and Robyn; and Susan (Roy Perovich). He is also survived by five great-grandchildren.
Hugh was born on a farm in Mitchell’s Bay, Ontario, on July 22, 1923, to his parents, James Hilliard and Lorene Mildred (Tew). He also had an older sister, Betty Mae. He worked tirelessly on the farm and in the fields with his father, whom he credited with instilling in him the value of hard work. Hugh aspired to go to university and become a physician. Times were tough, but the family managed to pull together enough for the first year’s tuition to send him to Western University. Here, Hugh’s dreams began to take shape. He decided to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/Gyn). It was during his internship in Hamilton that he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Furlong (December 23, 1925 – September 8, 2015). They got married on October 6, 1949. Hugh often spoke with deep gratitude about Pat, who always kept things as steady as possible in a household with five active children.
In his quest for excellence, Pat and Hugh moved with their growing family to Europe for a few years, where he learned new ideas and procedures and furthered his expertise in the OB/Gyn specialty. They moved back to Canada and settled in London, Ontario, where he established his practice and began his illustrious career. In the days before OHIP, starting a practice was challenging. Hugh worked many hours to make ends meet, but he would never send a bill to a cancer patient.
Early in his career, Hugh delivered countless babies. As his practice evolved, he specialized in gynecological cancers and went on to become a world-renowned surgeon in his field. He was highly respected by the medical community, who regularly sought his advice and wise counsel in patient care. Hugh took great joy in mentoring residents, eagerly sharing his knowledge, guiding them through complex problems and learning from them in return. He genuinely enjoyed getting to know each of them as individuals. He greatly valued and felt a sense of kinship with the many outstanding nurses with whom he worked. With his patients, he had a remarkable ability to make each one feel as though they were his only priority. He always gave them his full attention and care. As a result, Hugh earned deep respect and admiration. It was almost inevitable that whenever we were out with him, a grateful patient or colleague would approach him to say hello and thank him for the impact he had on their life.
During his career, Hugh travelled to and lectured in 43 different countries. In the later part of his career, he was part of a team that endeavored to set up a cancer clinic in Yemen. He made many missions there to teach and perform surgery. Hugh was disappointed that the mission concluded in 2008 due to safety concerns. Hugh was awarded many prestigious honours for his clinical teaching and acumen, culminating with The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010 and The Order of Ontario in 2015.
While Hugh deeply loved his medical profession, he was fortunate to reconnect with his rural roots by purchasing farmland. As the saying goes, you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy. Despite his demanding career, he always made time to visit the farm and participate in farm chores, from helping with calving to planting and harvesting crops. Until the very end of his life, he followed crop prices and made decisions about the farm. His farm buddies were very special to him.
Hugh had excelled in sports in his youth and carried this love into adulthood. He would always try to find time to sneak away from work to catch a glimpse of his children’s sporting events. When his grandchildren came along, he loved watching them participate and compete. He was a big fan of the London Knights and attended all their games until a few months ago. He continued to look forward to watching the Knights games on TV, often with his caregivers.
Hugh worked demanding hours throughout his career, yet always made time to carve out meaningful moments with his children. This was often while they were working at his medical office or on the farm, where they saw his passions firsthand and came to understand what truly motivated him. Later in life, Hugh had more time to enjoy his grandchildren. He loved discussing their studies, careers, life plans, and achievements. He never missed a chance to share his wisdom and offer thoughtful advice for living a good and fulfilling life.
We couldn’t be more proud and grateful to have had our amazing patriarch for so long in our lives. He will live forever in our hearts.
The family can’t thank Hugh’s caregivers enough for their wonderful care: Ruth, who became a valued friend and has been with the family for many years, and Martha, Jennifer, and Lisa, who more recently joined Ruth. We are also greatly indebted to Dr. Patrick Teefy and Dr. Kirk Hamilton and his palliative team.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Allen-Carey Scholarship in Obstetrics and Gynecology c/o London Health Sciences Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
We hope people from all areas of Hugh’s life will be able to join us for a Celebration of Life on Friday May 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., with words of remembrance at 4:00 p.m. at the London Hunt & Country Club, 1431 Oxford Street West, London. For online condolences visit www.westviewfuneralchapel.com.
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Our parents, Lewis & Barbara Hersey, knew Hugh & Pat very well. Our father, in anesthesia, worked with your father over the decades at Victoria Hospital and Western University with the medical students. Our mother so appreciated and respected Dr Allen’s advice and care of her over the decades. My three brothers came into the world with his care and skill. When my husband and I moved to Guelph we followed up on his recommendation of a recent graduate of his, Dr D T Hood, now retired, who walked Dr Allen’s compassionate example, saving myself and so many of his patients lives in his ever-on-call-always-there-for-his-patients family practice. Thank-you, Dr Allen, for passing on your compassion and expertise! Truly, your father was such a caring and knowledgeable man who constantly was so helpful to so many. Susan Hersey and brothers Donald, Robert and Michael
A life well lived. Still remember our impromptu inhospital hallway conversations over the many years. Our sincere condolences, Larry and Patty and family.
A special Gentleman . To a special Family l send my condolences.
Dr. Allen was my mentor along with Dr. Plunkett. Both had a profound influence on my life and my work. Dr. Allen taught us, among other things, what it is to work hard, to be compassionate and to be devoted to our specialty. I often helped deliver his patients as he stood at my side at 3:00 a.m. always alert, happy and always teaching. I often had a cup of coffee or a Coke with him and a piece of cold pizza after those deliveries discussing many things at the same time. In all the years that I knew and worked with Dr. Allen, I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone and he often had the opportunity and reason to do so. Dr. Allen was a gentle man. He worked harder than anyone I have ever encountered in medicine. His patients worshiped him and would often wait hours in his waiting room to be seen(often till 9:00 or 10:00 pm), not because he was slow but because he frequently would run out of his office and across the street to Victoria hospital operating room to bail someone out of trouble or provide advice when it was needed. He was a surgical Maestro. I loved working with him. He not only taught me surgical skills but also to love what I was doing. Those who never worked with him missed something very special. Dr. Allen trained many accomplished physicians who later became Medical School Deans ( Dr. Gavin Hamilton) , Department Heads (Dr. John Collins, Dr. Sid Effer and Dr. Ralph Anderson, Dr. Peter Mitchell, Dr. Al Bocking, Dr. Maggie Rebel), heads of provincial medical societies ( Dr. Nancy Whitmore, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario), and very excellent and well trained ob/gyn specialists practicing general ob/gyn, oncology and reproductive medicine across North America. It was an honour to be a student of Dr. Hugh Allen or as we called him, H.H. I owe him so much and have tried to model my professional life after him. Greatness is taught and Dr. Allen did that with great joy. He basked in the accomplishments of his students. There will never be another H.H., as his disciples will confirm. If anyone wants to model themselves after a great man, Hugh Allen would be the model. I will miss him! Dr. A. Albert Yuzpe, MD, FRCS, Vancouver, B.C.
I have known Dr. Hugh Allen for more than 50 years. I first met him when I was a final year medical student in the early 70’s. He was one of the people who inspired me to choose Obstetrics and Gynecology as a career. During my postgraduate training and then my academic and clinical experiences, there were five or six physicians who shaped my approach to all aspects of medical practice. Hugh was a leading member of that small group. H.H., Hughie or The Boss (always Dr. Allen to his face), earned the respect of his patients, students and colleagues at the local, provincial, national and international level through his actions and interactions with them. He was a dedicated and caring clinician, a superb surgeon and an excellent teacher. He led by example and encouraged straightforward communication. One of his favourite lessons when difficulties arose was to “Go back to basics! Start over and think it through. If still in doubt, ask for help.” He made himself available to provide that help any time of the day or night to every one of his colleagues. Hugh was technically a master Obstetrician and surgical Gynecologist. His patients loved him. I never heard Dr. Allen berate or speak poorly of anyone. He was a kind and considerate and caring person to his patients, trainees, nurses, hospital administrators and clinical colleagues. He led by example, not from intimidation or bravado. He truly cared about the physical and emotional well-being of everyone for whom he bore responsibility. During my Obs./Gyn. training and subsequent academic position in Western’s Faculty of Medicine, I became a friend of Hugh Allen. This friendship became closer after both of us had retired. H.H. and I ‘did lunch’ at least monthly over the past several years. Often, that lunch included a few physicians from outside of London whom Hugh had trained as postgraduates. He delighted in those reunions and loved to reminisce about residents from decades earlier. He also kept abreast of current Ob/Gyn publications and the clinical goings-on in Western’s Ob/Gyn Department. Hugh was an avid London Knights hockey fan and routinely went to the Knight games. He knew all the player’s names, positions, draft status, strengths and weaknesses. When he could no longer go to the games, he watched them religiously on T.V. During the last couple of years our lunch gatherings ended for health reasons. He and I still spoke by phone weekly or met at his place to keep in touch. When I had a hip done last year, I was probably the only 80+ year-old who had a 100+ year-old calling regularly to see how I was getting along. Hugh had a huge impact on my approach to patient care, colleagues, hospital staff and students. He treated everyone he encountered with dignity, respect and kindness. Whoever he was with at any time received his full attention. He approached life with a positive attitude and a sense of humour. He remained active in the management aspects of his farms and his weekly euchre games. I will miss our discussions, his wisdom and hearing of his experiences. Most of all I will miss the friendship of a remarkable physician and person. Stan Brown, MD, FRCSC London, Ontario
Your father was a legend among the medical staff at Victoria Hospital and I considered myself privileged to have worked with him. We swapped farm stories and he always took time to be friendly. My sincere condolences.
My father always called him Hughie, and that’s how I think of Dr. Allen, a world renowned physician, surgeon, and teacher. I grew up with stories of Dad and Hughie pranking their way through medical school and enjoying every minute of it. I’m sorry to learn of his death, but what a great contributor he was to his profession as well as to his family. Bill Walsh’s daughter, Allyn
Dr. Allen delivered 2 of my 3 daughters and stood by me through some of the most difficult moments of my life, including my battle with breast cancer. His calm presence, kind words and unwavering support made me feel seen, heard and safe-every single time. Years later my husband was able to care for him during a dental emergency-it was only a small gesture of thanks to someone who had given us so much. For over 30 years, Dr. Allen gave me the kind of care every woman hopes for. We will carry his true kindness and compassion in our hearts always.
Condolences to Dr Hugh Allen's family and colleagues For a brief time, my 80+ mother was a patient of Dr Allen some 15 years ago or so. The care he and Pat provided to her was not only medical but compassionate. Dr Allen and Pat worked very well as a team. My Mom was raised on a farm and wasn't a tall person, so when she needed to step up onto the exam table, they joked about getting her a milking can. This offer broke into quite laughter and made the pelvic exam much more bearable for an aging women. Our family wishes to pass on our condolences Wendy (Purcell)Padfield
My late husband always enjoyed his farm chats with Doc on the side of the road or over the fence when he owned farm land in South Caradoc. We had a huge field of hay cut down ready to big bale when our eldest son was instantly taken from us in a farm accident at a neighbour’s farm. Doc’s workers baled our hay and my husband tried several times to pay them but they always declined. Doc’s kindness has never been forgotten. RIP good and faithful servant. Sympathy to all his loved ones.
Dr. Allen was my Grandmother's neighbor at Mitchell's Bay (Art and Evelyn Roberts) many years ago. My Grandmother and Mother and her brothers and sister spoke fondly of the Allen family. I have lived in London since I was 4 ( I am 56 now) and started my first Healthcare job at the Children's hospital of Western Ontario(now LHSC) at the age of 18 . As a dietary aide, I worked in all of the units and knew that Dr. Allen was from there so I spoke to him about my family and their connection to the Bay. He was always so nice and addressed me every time when I saw him after our first meeting. I recall the patients being very fond of him . He was a generous soul and a pioneer in Women's gynecological care and research to improve diagnosing, treating and caring for women and we are all better for knowing him. May he rest in peace . I thank him for all he has done to help better others lives . Sincerely Jen Mead
Kathy, my deepest condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you all during this most difficult time.
Dr. Allen delivered me! Then many years later, as a medical student, I had the opportunity to spend a day with him in clinic. I asked him if he found it difficult working the long hours as an ob-gyn? I will never forget his response: "I haven't worked a day in my life. If you love what you do, it's not work!" ~ Jenny Smallwood
Hi I am Karen and had the honour to work with Hugh at St Joes Hospital in the 60's in the Delivery Room and then later in the 70's he delivered my own two children. He was always a wonderful man and Doctor. His talent as a Dr. and his kindness towards patients and nurses were noticed and admired on a daily basis. He was loved by all who knew him. Prayers are sent to all of his family .
As a newly graduated Registered Nurse in 1970 I started my nursing career in the Labour and Delivery Rooms at Victoria Hospital. I am so ever grateful to Dr. Allen who taught me so much, taking time after time to explain the how and why of procedures, but not only for me but for all the staff and patients also. I especially liked how he spent time with and taught all the new Interns and Residents, who I know went on to have great careers in the OB GYN field. I witnessed his work in emergency situations, so calm, reassuring and using his amazing skills to provide a positive outcome. I worked full and part time over the next 10 years in the Delivery Room and will never forget what a mentor Dr. Allen was even to me as a Nurse. I now live in British Columbia and in Kamloops, close to where I live, there is a street named Hugh Allen Drive. Every time I am in Kamloops and drive that street I think of Dr. Allen. My sincere condolences to all of the Allen family. You have lost a great one. Rest in Peace Dr. Allen, you have left a wonder legacy behind.
We lived near the Allen's for many years and I babysat the kids. Always remember the rides home in his Porche . My grandparents lived 2 doors from Pat and Hugh and when Grandpa died Hugh was the first one there to see if he could help . My sister Nancy was the same age as Joanne . I will always remember the family and the home on Springbank Dr. We lived on the hill across the field which is now called Mitchell Park . Rest in peace Hugh ! You were a great MD. and part of the reason I became a nurse .
To the entire Allen family, I am so sorry to read of your loss. Dr. Hugh Allen was truly one of a kind and his legacy lives on in his family. May you find comfort in your many memories. Deepest condolences to you all. With sympathy and caring, Sue Kaye(Yelland)
Dr Allen was admired and respected by all who knew him. As a young friend of Jimmy, Dr Allen left a lasting impression on me, and I still enjoy many memories of those days. Our deepest sympathies and condolences to the entire Allen family from the Burgess family. The world has lost one of it's best, but his legacy will live on for many years to come.
Dr. Allen delivered me just over 65 years ago by emergency C-section after my mom had two miscarriages and had lost my handicapped brother at age 13. He knew how much my parents wanted another child and made sure nothing happened to me. He continued to follow my mom through her lifetime to age 97, always taking time to listen and provide her with reassurance and treatment. He was a humble and caring man who has left a legacy not only for his family but also the medical community around the world. Thank you for everything you did for me, my mom, and so many others. Rest in peace after giving a life of service and dedication to all.
Dear Kathy, my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your beloved Father. Patty ( self care dialysis).
Services for Dr. H.H. Allen M.D., F.R.C.S.C., O Ont.
Celebration of Life will be held at:
London Hunt & Country Club, 1431 Oxford Street West, London
May 2, 2025 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Additional Service information
Words of Remembrance at 4:00 p.m.
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Thank you Professor Emeritus Dr. Hugh Allen for more than 50 years of mentoring in Gynecologic cancer, but also for your thoughtfulness for others. Hopefully in 2026, after the International Surgical Fraternity learns of your passing, an opportunity will present itself to recognize your contribution in a memorial paying tribute to your cancer surgery. Cheerio and goodnight, sir. Norma
~ Dr. Norma Powell