Allan Chalat

1937 - 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Allan Chalat at his home on May 3, 2023 at the age of 86.

Born on April 8, 1937 in Fort William, Ontario, Allan grew up on Forest Street on the banks of the Neebing River where his parents instilled a love of gardening that he carried with him all his life. He spent much of his youth and young adulthood tending to the large gardens which he and his family had to cross the river by raft to tend. At the end of every summer pickling and preserving the abundant harvest became the family tradition.

He attended Selkirk High School where he was a proud member of the football team. After brief employment at the mill, he worked for George Hill Supply, before venturing out on his own. In 1971, with his good friend Jerry, they started their own business, Intercity Industrial Supply. With the help of all the great partners and employees, his life dream of business ownership was achieved.

Allan set out to woo the beautiful Shirly Savitsky by bringing her a dozen red roses on their very first date. He always put tremendous thought and sentiment into everything he did. Allan and Shirley were married on September 15, 1962 and were able to celebrate their 54th wedding anniversary together before her untimely passing in 2016.

Family vacations to Florida every year created many special memories. After buying a vacation home in Kissimmee, Allan and Shirley enjoyed many winters there with family and friends. They loved to entertain Thunder Bay visitors and were quick to make many close friends in their neighborhood.

Spending time with family and friends at the family camp on Shebandowan Lake, first on Shelter Bay and then to Crescent Point, was one of Allan's greatest joys. He was always working on a new project, growing and harvesting his rather sizeable vegetable gardens, or tending to the yard. Mushroom picking in the spring, time on the lake in the summer, hunting in the fall, or ice fishing in the winter months, it didn't matter the season, he loved time spent at the lake.

One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his grandchildren and participating in every aspect of their lives. He especially loved the summers out at camp when his family moved out to the lake. The door was always open and many generations of family and friends will remember the wonderful times spent together out at camp. He was fondly called "Grampy" by many, and will forever be in our hearts.

Allan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children Shelley (Jim) Frost, Michael (Stacy) Chalat, and grandchildren Shannan Frost and Haley Chalat.

He is predeceased by his wife Shirley Chalat, grandson Mitchell Frost and parents Michael and Nancy Chalat.

The family of Allan would like to thank Norman and Lorraine, Melissa and the girls, and the many caring Riverview Drive neighbors and friends who regularly checked in on dad, brought him food, baking, and the hugs he so appreciated.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service to celebrate Allan's life on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Harbourview Funeral Centre, 499 N. Cumberland Street.

In lieu of flowers, and if friends so desire, donations may be made in Allan's memory to a charity of their choice.

On line condolences may be offered at:
www.jenkens-funeral.ca