Allan John Cocksedge

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Allan John Cocksedge (79) of Halifax, NS, at the QE2 Hospital on January 17, 2024, with his wife by his side.

Allan was born in Montreal, QC, to Silina (Lupien) and Edmond (Ted) Cocksedge. His first years were spent in the small town of Brownsburg, QC. Allan’s father worked for Canadian Industries Limited (CIL) which led the family to move to Edmonton, AB, eventually settling in Oakville, ON.

Allan graduated from the University of Toronto in 1967 with a BA in Modern History. He then spent a very memorable summer working at EXPO 67. Next, he travelled to France to teach English, where he witnessed the Paris riots in 1968. Allan returned to Canada on board the Maasdam with 15 cents in his pocket (luckily meals were included in the fare, which he took full advantage of). It was a rough crossing. He was one of the few on board who didn’t get seasick.

Shortly after his return, Allan joined the ranks of the federal public service. Blessed with a prodigious work ethic and fluently bilingual, he worked his way up the ladder to serve, among other positions, as Secretary General of the Canadian Human Rights Commission, Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) of Tourism Canada and ADM of Customs and Border Services. He retired from the federal government in 1998. He then worked as a consultant until 2010.

On a trip to London during his time at Tourism Canada, Allan met his future wife, Sally Mitchell, while she was working in the office of the Agent General for Nova Scotia in London. They were married in 1989 and enjoyed a wonderful life together with their son Ted.

In 2007, the family moved to Halifax. Post-retirement Allan audited many courses at Dalhousie University.

We cherish many fond memories of a home filled with family and friends, endless house guests and meals around the dinner table. Early in their marriage, Allan and Sally built a cottage on Grand Lake, QC, where they spent summers and weekends entertaining, swimming, canoeing, chopping wood, reading and just relaxing. It was an idyllic retreat.

Allan was a kind, calming presence, a mentor, and a friend who always had wonderful sage advice. He was an avid reader with a wide spectrum of interests. He loved politics and people in general. He kept physically fit and was an armchair sports fan at the same time. He was a passionate Ottawa Senators fan and followed them from the first puck drop at the Civic Centre. At the beginning of every season Allan was filled with such hope! Later in life, he became a Blue Jays fan which, at times, was equally as frustrating as being a Sens fan. While cooking wasn’t his favourite activity, his spaghetti sauce was masterful.

Allan’s greatest joy was his son Ted. Together they spent many hours combing through the museums in Ottawa, especially the war museum. They enjoyed long walks and bike rides and many discussions on politics and history.

In 2018 Allan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and in 2020 with Lewy Body Dementia. He was so courageous, always in good spirits and never complaining even when the simplest of tasks became difficult. He received wonderful medical care throughout his illness and was able to remain at home until he was admitted to the hospital in early January. We owe a ton of gratitude to Sheila Skinner and Liz Harvey, two of the best care workers from Newfoundland.

Allan is survived by his wife Sally, son Ted, brother Donald (Maureen) of Stratford, ON, in-laws Charlie and Shelley Mitchell, Peter and Laura Mitchell and David Mitchell, all of Halifax, NS. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins and their families. He was predeceased by his father Edmond (Ted) Cocksedge, mother Silina Cocksedge and mother-in-law Mary Mitchell.

Burial is to take place in Ottawa at a later date. Donations to the charity of your choice or to the Alzheimer Society (Nova Scotia branch), a truly amazing organization.