Allan Ray Cahoon

It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Allan Cahoon on April 5, 2024. Allan was born in Cardston Alberta, and spent his childhood amidst the dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes of Southern Alberta, particularly in and around Waterton National Park. He enjoyed extensively hiking its mountain trails, and it was here that he developed his extraordinary work ethic and entrepreneurial drive. He worked in the park, at the iconic Prince of Wales Hotel, in his parents’ general store, and even as a shoreline cruise operator. Allan’s family relocated to Calgary in 1957, where Allan graduated from Henry Wise Wood High School before serving a mission in Chile, where he learned to speak, read and write Spanish. He excelled at academics, obtaining a BA in history and political science and an MSc in International Administration from Brigham Young University, before obtaining a PhD in Organizational Theory and Development from the University of Syracuse at the age of 29. Allan enjoyed his various roles as an educator, administrator and leader, collaborating with many accomplished colleagues and students. He began his career at the University of Calgary, and would eventually go on to serve in senior administrative positions including Vice-President, Research and International at the University of Regina, President of Royal Roads University, and President and CEO of Sofia University. Allan’s devotion to education and his passion for inspiring others also took him to China, Australia, Hungary, Iran, Japan, Netherlands, and Latin America. Outside of his teaching career, Allan was involved in multiple business ventures during the 80’s and 90’s, including a restaurant, a queer country and western nightclub, and a travel agency catering to the LGBTQ community. Some were successful, while others were learning experiences. Allan contained multitudes. He achieved a level of status and reward usually reserved for those adhering to convention while also living an off-script life. And he was generous with the insights and rewards he gained from both. Allan cherished his family and friends and always gave them the best of himself. A loyal and loving companion and life partner, a generous and reliable provider, and a supportive father and grandfather, his subtle humour, impishness, intellect, exceeding optimism, smile, and laugh will be truly missed. We bid Allan a loving farewell, and wish him comfort and peace. A come and go reception to celebrate Allan will be held at Hatley Castle on the Royal Roads University Campus, 2005 Sooke Road, Victoria BC. on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Donations to the Allan Cahoon Scholarship Fund at Royal Roads University are graciously accepted.