Obituaries - MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel

Kenneth -Ken- KarisAllen

October 15, 1958 - September 12, 2025

Service Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Service Time: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. KarisAllen residence
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Kenneth “Ken” KarisAllen passed away on September 12, 2025, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the age of 66. While unexpected, his passing was peaceful, and the family sincerely thanks the medical team at the QEII for their dedication and compassion during that difficult time.

Ken was born on October 15, 1958, in Kentville, Nova Scotia, to James Allen and the late Marjorie Allen (Bauckman).

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Danyelle KarisAllen, daughter Laura KarisAllen (Zachary Knox), daughter Tasia KarisAllen (Trevor Kordyban), and son Jason KarisAllen (Imogen Allen-Rice). His grandchildren were a true blessing in life: Amelia, Adeline, and Evren, and his newly welcomed grandson, James. He is also survived by his sister Vicki AllenCook (Murray Cook), sister Beverley Allen-Cook (Derek Cook), brother Father Stephen Allen (Tracey Allen), brother Michael Allen, and many nieces and nephews.

A life well-lived is one spent doing what you love, with those you love. Ken took particular pride in his work as a metallurgical engineer, co-founding Wayland Engineering and FACTS Engineering. While a self-confessed workaholic, he wouldn’t hesitate to drop everything for his family. Ken loved to build, including his own home and then renovating his son’s in recent years. He could easily master any skill, like playing a 12-string guitar, earning his pilot’s license, and walking on his hands. Although Ken never quite mastered the dance floor, his special moves will be missed at every family occasion. His daily pieces of bacon for his dogs, Charlie and Josie, will also be missed.

Ken was never one to brag about himself, but he would be the first to brag about those he loved, especially his kids. His fierce loyalty, intelligence, and stubbornness live on through them and future generations, who will miss him every day.

If a life well-lived is to be loved, then he surely died content, knowing his family was with him. Ken passed away surrounded by his wife, kids, daughter-in-law, grandson, and sisters, singing his favourite song, Dreamweaver.

“I've just closed my eyes again

Climbed aboard the Dream Weaver train

Driver, take away my worries of today

And leave tomorrow behind.”

• Dreamweaver, Gary Wright

A celebration of life will take place for family and friends on Saturday, September 20, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm at the KarisAllen residence. Full details can be found at the link: https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/KA3yqGLi3qJZQWhxp4yLG

Arrangements entrusted to MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com