Obituary of David Allen McMann
McMann, Allen – March 22 at the Norfolk General Hospital, with his wife Jackie at his side. David Allen Lewis McMann was born in 1937 and grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Port Dover, moving to town with his family in 1949. As a teenager in Port Dover, he began his 38-year career with Canada Post, first sorting mail and finally as long-time senior assistant (Port Dover) and postmaster (Jarvis, 1981-1990).
Allen may be best remembered for his ever-polite, gentlemanly manner, his passion for fiddle playing, and his pastime as purveyor of Country Candy’s much-loved candy floss and apples, a business he inherited from in-laws Harry and Gibby Rolston. Allen was happiest playing his “little red fiddle,” first with the Country Driftwoods in the 1960s, and more recently with the Country Snowbirds near his winter home in Largo, Florida. Even beset by Alzheimer’s, Allen remembered his fiddle tunes and smiled as he played.
In earlier years, Allen and fellow St. John’s Ambulance attendant Charlie Bridgewater ran Port Dover’s first ambulance service from 1955-1960, working day and night with a cast of volunteers, providing first aid to the town’s injured and ill and rushing victims to hospital. He remembered hours spent in local arenas treating hockey injuries. A proud Power Squadron member, Allen enjoyed boating to Long Point. In 1977 his life changed when he married Jackie (Rolston) Landon and moved to Port Ryerse, where he bravely took on life with Jackie’s three children and rural surroundings, transforming the house and grounds with his carpentry skills.
A third-generation Port Doverite, he takes with him his remarkable knowledge of the characters of the town of his youth. He jokingly said that if he didn’t see Firman Smith in heaven when he dies, he’ll know he’s in hell. We’re confident he’s nodding to Firman.
Allen is predeceased by his mother, Erie Belle LaRose McMann; father, George McMann; and brother, Ron McMann. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; step-children Greg Landon (Kathy Heastont), Sally Landon (Kevin Holly) and Laura Landon (Bruce Wark); grandchildren Alexia Landon, Connor Landon, and Sam Preston; sister-in-law Joan McMann; niece Kelly Smith (Bill); niece Leanne Rolston (Adam MacDonald) and nephew Steve Rolston. Donations in Allen’s memory can be made to Port Dover Grace United Church, Port Ryerse Memorial Church, or the Alzheimer Society. A celebration of Allen’s life will be held at the Port Dover Legion on Sunday, May 26th from 1:00-4:00 PM.
