ALLAN, James Stuart Allan –
James Stuart Allan passed away at home on June 25th after a courageous three-year battle with cancer, which he cheekily dubbed ‘the bastard Bertram’. James leaves behind a legacy of creativity, innovation, and joy, profoundly impacting everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
Born in Scarborough, Ontario, to Patricia (Moss) Allan and Herbert Allan, James was raised in Bedford Basin, Nova Scotia, before moving to his mother’s hometown of Elland in Yorkshire, England. He later returned to Ontario during his teen years, bringing with him a charming mix of Canadian and Yorkshire wit.
James Stuart Allan’s 30-year career was a vibrant tapestry of special effects, conceptual design in films and TV, and award-winning game design.
From 2017 to 2022, James inspired students at Sheridan College in Interactive Narrative and Project Management, always with encouragement and enthusiasm. As the driving force behind Crowtrees Studio Inc., he combined artistic vision with cutting-edge tech, diving into Augmented and Virtual Reality and 3D printing.
After taking early retirement, what brought joy to his life was his morning coffee at Shortiss with his coffee crew: Henry, Sandra, Len, and Bart. They shared laughs and teased each other, creating fond memories.
The family wish to acknowledge the incredible medical team who provided support to James throughout his health journey: his family physician Dr. Bickle; his oncologist Dr. Razak and his team; and Dr. Victor Cellarius, both of Princess Margaret Hospital; the care team at Durham Community Care; and his nurse Linda and PSW Shelly who supported him with home care.
A heartfelt thank you to Henry Douglas for his kindness in chauffeuring James to and from his appointments at Princess Margaret Hospital. Your time, care, and support have made a world of difference to both James and Catherine. We are incredibly grateful for your generosity and the comfort you’ve provided along every journey.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 19 years, Catherine Blackhall, his brother Andrew, and his niece Jessica Allan. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the stories he told, and the creativity he inspired.