Friends and Brethren,

The roll of the workmen has been called and one Master Mason has not answered to his name. Brother Ed Allan has laid down the working tools of the Craft and with them he has left that mortal part for which he no longer has use.

Edwin Blair Allan passed away at his Danbury home on Friday, March 9, 2012 at the age of 82. Ed was born in Ridgefield, September 2, 1929, a son of Edwin M. and Jean (Blair) Allan, and he was the husband of Frances Blackwell -Allan.

Referred to in years past in Ridgefield as “Main Street’s Smile” Ed Allan was as a much a part of Ridgefield as Town Hall and Main Street.  Banker, merchant and real estate agent, Ed is a third generation Ridgefielder who has lent his helping hand and wisdom to many people and organizations over the years.

 He attended local schools and graduated from Ridgefield High School in 1947 and joined the former First National Bank and Trust Company as a teller. In 1955, Ed and his brother Don purchased Paterson’s Clothing Store. Moving the store twice, they relocated the former store at 440 Main Street and renamed it Allan’s until their retirement in 1981, after being in business over a quarter century. Not ready to retire, Ed went into commercial real estate with Ryer Associates of Danbury and was the first CCIM in Danbury Commercial Realtors. Ed proudly served on the Board of Directors of Ridgefield Bank for 33 years, ending as Vice Chairman.

Throughout his career, Mr. Allan has been active in the community. He served as a former clerk of the Board of Finance for 17 years, served on the Parking Authority & the Ridgefield Fund. He was a member of the Ridgefield Cemetery Association and the Branchville Fresh Air Fund.  He has served on boards for the Boys and Girls Club, Wadsworth R. Lewis Fund, Family Y and the District Nursing Association.  Mr. Allan was one of the original sixteen members of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, and in 1980, received the chamber’s community service award. In 2006 he was named “Citizen of the year” by the Ridgefield Rotary Club. He served as a Director on Housatonic Habitat for Humanity Board.

Ed was also active in Jerusalem Lodge #49 of Ridgefield for 60 years, where he served as Master in 1957 and would later serve as treasurer for more than 30 years. A dedicated Mason, he was a member of the York Rite Bodies. Ed joined Eureka Chapter No. 23 on June 6, 1953; Wooster Council No. 28 on October 15, 1958; and Crusader Commandery No. 10 on March 12, 1954. He was also a member of the Candlewood Shrine Club.

Mr. Allan was a life-long active member of the First Congregational Church of Ridgefield and served on various boards and committees. 

In addition to his wife, Fran, Ed Allan is survived by a son, David Allan of Front Royal, VA; two daughters, Beth & husband Wayne Mortensen of Manchester, NH; and Barbara Allan of Fort Collins, CO; a brother, Donald & wife Bette Allan of Ridgefield; two grandchildren, Lisa & husband Geoff Wilcox of Chattanooga, TN, Craig Mortensen and several nieces and nephews; Fran Blackwell Allan’s children and their families. Ed is also survived by his children’s mother, Joan S. Allan. He was predeceased by stepson, Christopher Blackwell-FDNY. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mission Fund, First Congregational Church of Ridgefield, 103 Main Street, Ridgefield 06877 or to Habitat for Humanity, 51 Sugar Hollow Rd., Danbury, CT  06810.