Former CCA and Curl BC statistician Norm Allen passes away

Norm Allen, a longtime curling statistician and volunteer from Kelowna, B.C., has passed away. Allen died on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. Allen served as a statistician at numerous Canadian Curling Association (CCA) championships, from 1999 through 2011. As well, he was the Deputy Manager of Results for the curling venue during the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver. “He was involved in ensuring that all of the software and hardware (42 computers) requirements for the results tested properly in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games as well as during the Games,” said Neil Houston, the curling sport venue manager for the Vancouver Olympic organizing committee. “Norm had a passion for the sport of curling,” added Houston, who worked closely with Allen when Houston was the CCA’s Director of Championship Services. “He was one of those people who didn’t mind being behind the scenes but knowing that he was playing a significant role in helping the sport.” In addition to his work on behalf of the CCA, Allen served as the Region 3 Director for Curl BC from 2005 to 2008, and served as Curl BC’s Head Statistician. Allen served his country with great pride and passion for 25 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. As a result, he was able to represent B.C. at the Canadian Armed Forces championships in Lahr, Germany. Allen was instrumental in setting up the Sandra Schmirler Golf Tournament in the Okanagan in 2011. He is survived by his mother Oretha, son Byron and daughters Shelley, LeAnn and Eileen. (With contributions from Curl BC)