“ A Gentleman of Shipping and a Pioneer”

Courtenay Allan was born 22nd June 1950 in Bristol, England from shipping roots.

The second child born to Joan and Cliff Allan, he was brought up with his older sister Angela and younger brother Andre.  He attended Avonhurst School in Clifton Bristol. The family lived on the outskirts of Bristol in a cottage called Dingley Dell and he often worked on local farms as a youngster.

Upon gaining his o-levels Courtenay when straight to a local shipping firm following the path troden before him by his father and grand father before him.  Sadly his grandfather on his father's side was also killed in a shipping accident in the Bristol Waters.

Courtenay's early career took him to Southampton where he met Beverley Harrison at DART container line and later married her, aged 21 years old.  Four years later their oldest son Ben was born, followed shortly after by their second son Tristan. In 1981 when Courtenay was 31, the youngest son Hayden was born.

where they were nicknamed the Redrigg boys by their colleagues.

Courtenay was a devoted father who balanced a hugely successful career with a passion for providing his children with the best chance in life and supporting in their sporting endeavours that invariably included rugby.

In 2001, he narrowly survived when forced to run for his life after the World Trade Center was attacked as he was walking across the plaza between the two towers.  Arriving later in Toronto he was greeted along with a colleague with a banner outside OOCL's offices acclaiming "The Great Escape".

Courtenay’s commercial acumen, experience and knowledge coupled with his drive and enthusiasm made him one of the shipping industries most respected individuals. Courtenay is desperately missed by all who knew him. His family and friends are still seeking to uncover the truth behind this terrible tragedy.

As a father his sons miss him desperately. He was inspirational, funny and an irreplaceable part of their lives. Perhaps in that perspective it is understandable that his sons will not let the current conduct of those responsible be left unchecked.