Chris Allan could be described in many ways. He was a Captain and proud member of the Royal Canadian Air Force and of Canada’s Armed Forces, an avid outdoorsmen, angler, skier, and hockey player. He was a loving husband, son, brother, and friend.
Growing up in Vancouver, Chris spent the majority of his leisure time on the slopes of Whistler or Cypress, out on the water fishing for salmon, or at the rink playing hockey. As he grew older, Chris continued to deepen his connection with each of his favourite past times, while also finding a new love in aviation.
First taking flying lessons out of a flight school in Victoria, BC, Chris looked for any opportunity he could to fulfill his dream of becoming a pilot, first attending school at the University of North Dakota, then in Calgary at the University of Calgary. Towards the end of his post-secondary journey, Chris decided to join the Canadian Armed Forces, where he completed his Basic Training, eventually obtaining the status of Canadian Armed Forces CF-18 Fighter Pilot.
In every endeavour, Chris always made sure to give his all and continuously looked for opportunities to improve where he could. While this is evident through his many accolades during his career in the military, it also played a large part in the success he found as a young hockey player.
Each game, practice, or power skating session with HEROS’ founding board member, Barb Aidelbaum, Chris worked hard to become a better skater, leader, and teammate. However, his dedication was always about so much more than simply becoming better at his favourite sport.
Chris understood that the lessons he took from every ice-session, ski run, or camping trip, were an essential part of his overall growth, helping him navigate each challenge he came across in his day-to-day life – and it’s these same lessons that his family now hopes to instill in young people across Canada through Chris’ memory.
After Chris’ passing in 2015, his family honoured his journey by creating the Chris Allan Legacy Fund, which supports grassroots charities like HEROS. In 2025 The Chris Allan Legacy Fund will help provide young people access to crucial development opportunities through HEROS, cementing Chris’ legacy as one of kindness, compassion, and generosity throughout the HEROS community and beyond.
If you’d like to learn more about how your legacy can positively impact future generations of HEROS players, contact us at info@heroshockey.com.
