Allen Bartley Lathem

Allen Bartley Lathem of Seal Harbour, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully on April 11th, 2023. After 97 years, his family and friends can happily say he had a wonderful and long life. As a young boy, he spent much of his time duck hunting off Goose Island and fishing with his father and brothers. This is where his lifelong love for the outdoors began. Son of Harry Lathem and Gertrude (Manthorne) Lathem, Allen was born into a fishing family. He quickly discovered that this was not the lifestyle for him as he became seasick while on the boat. He left home at 17 to pursue a career in the Air Force as an air traffic controller. Allen met his wife, Marion and they married in July of 1955 in Goshen, Nova Scotia. Al and Marion had two sons, Andy Lathem (Marika Lathem) and Everett Lathem (Jennifer Visser). Allen was a very proud grandfather to two granddaughters, Callie Lathem and Morgan Visser-Lathem. He loved watching them grow into the young women they are today. Allen wanted nothing but a life of happiness for them both, he showed them love and support, always. After 35 years of service, Allen retired from the RCAF in Greenwood, Nova Scotia. Allen and his wife Marion enjoyed spending time camping in their motor home with the Sam’s Club all over the Maritimes, playing cards with friends, visiting family in Goshen, and taking their granddaughter, Morgan along in the summertime. His love for the outdoors continued throughout his life as he cared for the woods, feeding the birds, burning brush, and keeping the paths cleared. You would often see him walking in his bright yellow jacket, walking stick in hand down the Highway 201, waving to the cars that went by. Allen spent his days enjoying the little things in life. He was a meticulous man, often seen washing his Toyota vehicles, cutting the grass, picking dandelions out of the yard, and keeping things just so. A famous line of his was “If you’re going to do something, do it right.” Allen kept a log of the weather every day, morning, afternoon, and evenings, much like he did throughout his career in air traffic control. He loved reading, doing crossword puzzles, and watching the Blue Jays games from his recliner chair in the living room. He made his rounds of phone calls to friends and family while Marion listened from the other line and would add in her piece from time to time. He loved sharing stories of his childhood, his time in the air force and general knowledge with everyone he met. Allen will be remembered as an accomplished and kind man with a great sense of humor, an infectious smile and a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Allen Bartley Lathem

February 20, 1927 - April 11, 2023