584 THE ADVOCATE
VOL. 80 PART 4 JULY 2022
and Natasha’s able assistance, the entire house would be decorated with
scenes, mannequins and special effects one might expect to see on a television
or movie set.
Allan was renowned as an afficionado when it came to fine wines. He
was particularly appreciative of French and Italian wines, having spent
numerous holidays in the wine regions of France and particularly Tuscany.
He enrolled in a sommelier course and completed the first two levels.
Although the practice of law did not give him the time required to fulfill that
particular dream, he would still treat his friends (and the office) by acting
as sommelier in curated wine tastings every few months.
In the decade between 2000 and 2010, Allan was a part of what became
known as the “Chateau Group” comprising between 10 and 20 friends who
rented a chateau or villa, complete with swimming pool, in France or Italy
for two or three weeks. On the first such holiday venture, Allan and another
would-be chef arrived at the chateau, each with their Larousse Gastronomique
Cook Book weighing almost five pounds. Never was an evening
meal spent away from the estate.
An enthusiastic traveller, Allan would immerse himself in the local cultures
and cuisines, and was eager to share his passion and experience.
When Allan heard you were travelling, he was ready with a curated list of
recommended cities, sights and, of course, offerings at the top restaurants
(accompanied by sample menus and supporting photographs). His endorsement
may as well have been a Michelin star.
Allan was a beautifully talented artist. Before applying for law school, he
seriously considered becoming an architect. Allan’s paintings, drawings,
photography and decorating, while mainly for his own interest, were fantastic.
Allan would collect oyster shells (after devouring the oysters, of course)
and create dozens or hundreds of St. Nick visages with them. If Allan saw a
painting or picture he particularly liked, he would create his own, with the
result most often being indistinguishable from the original. Any open space
on a wall was quickly occupied with his photographs, many of which were
artist quality. One wall featured an 8’ tall version of George Rodrigue’s Blue
Dog, complete with court robe and tabs.
But Allan was certainly not a dilettante. Everything Allan undertook—law,
sports, flying, cars, driving, sailing, food, wine, travel, photography, art and
communication—was acquired through dedicated research and preparation
necessary to become the accomplished and interesting person he was.
Allan loved many of his activities and pursuits to the fullest, and was a
true Renaissance man. His counsel and friendship will be truly missed.
Dennis Peterson and Chelsea Dubeau