Allen Stern of Thornhill, ON-based Proforma Allen Stern Marketing (asi/491730) passed away on Nov. 9. A beloved member of the promo industry in Canada, Stern had been an owner with Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/300094) for the past 12 years.

Allen Stern, Proforma Allen Stern Marketing

Stern was a native of South Africa who enjoyed running, mountain climbing, cheering on Manchester United and spending time with family and friends, including his colleagues in the promo industry.

Fellow Proforma owner Leonard Laser of Proforma Laser & Associates (asi/491593), also in Thornhill, knew Stern since he first joined the distributor in 2011. “We had a bond as owners and friends,” says Laser. “We travelled to conventions together and Allen was in his element. Some vendors even thought we were brothers, since we were always seen together. He loved his Proforma family, and his fellow Canadian Proforma owners. He is, and will always be, fondly missed.”

“Allen was not only a cherished customer, but also a source of inspiration,” says Sergio Munoz, the Toronto-based vice president of business development at Top 40 supplier HPG (asi/61966). “His passion for life, mirrored in his love for adventure and sports, often reminded me of the importance of living every moment to its fullest. As a fellow fitness enthusiast, I deeply respected Allen’s approach to life. His dedication to his family, his zest for life and his unwavering support for Manchester United were just a few of the qualities that made Allen truly special. He will be profoundly missed, but his legacy of positivity and passion will continue to inspire us all.”

Neil Mihan, owner of multi-line agency Promotional Resource Group (PRG) in Vaughan, ON, had forged a strong bond with Stern over the years. “He frequented our showroom, which was close to his home, and we talked at every show,” says Mihan. “He supported everything our company did. Allen was a true gentleman and a class act. He was always positive and fun to talk with, and I think he participated in just about every event that we coordinated.”

Mihan’s wife Christy, sales and marketing coordinator at PRG, says Stern positively influenced her career. “Allen was a very special person who held a special place in this business for me,” she shares. “From the time I came into this industry, he was encouraging, knowledgeable and patient. He always came to our showroom with a big smile and a story about his family and his history in South Africa. And he was so proud of his grandson. His family brought him so much joy.”

Stern is survived by his wife, Jill; children Daniel, Jessica (Mark) and Simon (Ariel); and grandson Nate. “He was a kind soul with an adventurous spirit,” says the family. “Allen lived life to the fullest and made every second of every day count. He was adored by his family and many friends both in Canada and South Africa and has left us with a beautiful blueprint of how to appreciate the splendor of life. We will miss him dearly.”

A funeral was held on Nov. 10 at Pardes Shalom Cemetery in Vaughan. Memorial donations may be made to Magen David Adom online or by calling (416) 780-0034.