About
Born inBuckingham, Quebec(on the outskirts ofOttawa, Ontario), Allen was a graduate ofSt. Michael's College School, theUniversity of Toronto, andOsgoode Hall Law School. DuringWorld War II, he enlisted with theQueen's York Rangersand attained the rank of captain, serving overseas in Britain and Europe. After being called to the Ontario Bar in 1949, Allen was appointedQueen's Counselin 1960. He married Marjorie Hornberger; together, they raised three children. Allen continued to build the infrastructure that began with his predecessor, Metro's first Chairman,Fred Gardiner. Most notably, the Bloor-Danforth and University subway lines opened during Allen's tenure. Furthermore, Allen also initiated many social programs that included welfare assistance and old age homes. Allen cited the latter initiative as one of his proudest achievements. Metro's fourth chair, Paul V. Godfrey, told reporters after Allen's death 25 years later that he gave Metro its "human touch". (Toronto Star, October 1/85)