A Dedicated, Caring Pair
by Lee Hunt
On January 2, 2025, Sharon and Terry Allen celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. For 64 of those years, they have resided in Brentwood. They consider themselves “very lucky to live in Brentwood” where they are “fortunate to have so many people who care”.
When Sharon and Terry moved to Brentwood, it was “on the edge of the prairie – nothing but dirt and gopher holes”. Their three sons – Doug, Scott, and Greg – grew up in this home and regularly brought their friends home. Sharon recalls generally having “a basement full of kids playing ping pong, pool, and pinball.” Their sons attended Brentwood Elementary, Senator Patrick Burns, and William Aberhart. All were in school bands and drama, so Sharon and Terry spent considerable time volunteering with these activities.
Sharon obtained her B.Ed. at the U of C and then taught for two years at Sherwood School. Once her sons were born, Sharon stayed home with the boys until all three were in school. After that, she returned to teaching – this time for 25 years at Brentwood Play School.
Terry received his B.A., B. Ed., and M.Ed. from the U of A. He taught in many Calgary schools, eventually becoming Principal at Bowness High, Sir Winston Churchill High, and Western Canada High. He became Principal of Brentwood’s Sir Winston Churchill High in the early 1980s. Terry recalls especially “the strong staff, diverse programs, and strong parent group at Churchill”. Both Terry and Sharon enjoyed attending the school concerts, plays, and sports.
Terry’s “strong belief in Science education” led him to become involved on the Science Fair Organizing Committee. He well recalls Calgary’s first Science Fair, which was held in the basement of the Jubilee Auditorium in 1962. This group eventually established a Science Centre at the old Planetarium, which in turn led to Telus Spark. Terry was the second President of the Science Centre where Sharon was “very hands on – helping to build many of the early displays”.
In 1992, Terry joined the Rotary Club at Stampede Park. He was President from 2004 to 2005 and is currently working on the Rotary Peace Garden in Waterton. He recently helped erect the Peace Pole which has inscriptions in seven languages reading “Peace on Earth”. This is an ongoing project with a rock garden to be established this coming spring – along with a few “deer proof plants”. Terry chuckled at the notion of any plant fitting that description! Both Sharon and Terry also work on the annual Rotary Book Sale at the Calgary Curling Club.
Terry was a volunteer at The Calgary Foundation for twelve years – initially on the Education Committee, then as Chair of the Grants Committee. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors for nine years.
Back here in Brentwood, Terry served as one of three co-chairs on the 2016 mural painted on the tennis court next to Captain John Palliser School. Sharon often arrived on scene with much welcomed snacks for the youth painters. This particular project won a Be Part Of It Award from The Federation of Calgary Communities.
As you can tell, both Sharon and Terry have given so much to Brentwood and to the community at large. When I asked them, “Why do you consider giving so important?” Sharon replied, “Our own families raised us this way”. Terry added, “We may not have a lot of money to give, but we can encourage community and giving back”.
Sharon and Terry reiterated that they feel “very lucky to live in Brentwood”. Brentwood in turn has been fortunate to have the dedication, caring, and hard work of Sharon and Terry Allen. They consider working on projects for our community in Brentwood and further afield, “a real plus in our lives”.
Happy 65th Anniversary, Sharon and Terry! Brentwood greatly appreciates you both.
Sharon and Terry Allen
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