Edward Charles Allard

Edward Charles Allard, age 83 of Riverview, passed away Friday July 17, 2020 at Belle Fountain Nursing and Rehab Center. Born July 22, 1936 in Detroit, Ed was the son of Emile and Mary (Fecho) Allard. He married the love of his life, Judy McKitrick, who sadly preceded him in death February 9, 2014. Ed faithfully served our country in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1954 to 1962. He earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree and Master of Science Degree in Industrial Education from Wayne State University. Ed began his teaching career in the Melvindale-Northern Allen Park School District in 1962. In 1965 he moved on to teach for Dearborn Public Schools, and in 1969 was appointed to serve as an instructor of industrial education at Henry Ford Community College. Highly respected for his industry prowess, Ed was subsequently promoted to Director of Trade and Apprentice Education in 1973. He remained in that position until his retirement in 2000. In addition to his primary responsibilities in the academic setting, Ed thrived in a variety of leadership roles. During his tenure at the college he was temporarily assigned as the director of the UAW-Ford Motor Co. Career Services and Reemployment Assistance Center in Dearborn. Ed was also active from 1980 to 2000 as the treasurer of the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Inc., an advocacy group comprised of education, manufacturing, construction and governmental leaders seeking to promote the benefits of apprenticeship programs. As a testament to his service in education he was recognized for Outstanding Leadership and Dedicated Service from the Trade and Apprenticeship Division of Henry Ford Community College. Ed was further commemorated with a certificate of meritorious service from The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training, and was also the recipient of the prestigious Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Ed was a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church on Grosse Ile, was a member of Rotary International and Kiwanis Club, and had been a safe boating instructor and the Commodore of the Grosse Ile Power Squadron. He enjoyed a number of activities and hobbies including volunteering in the community, attending family events, winter vacations in Florida, wood carving, fishing, boating, camping, skiing, golfing and music. And until recently, Ed played guitar with the infamous musical group Picks and Bows. Ed leaves to cherish his memory his children: Doug (Sue) Allard and Suzy (Rich) McWilliams; grandchildren: Tressa (Nathan Benjamin) Allard, Sean Ellis, George (Carol) Allard, Sarah (Joe) Lakin, Andy McWilliams, Tommy McWilliams and Katy McWilliams; as well as four great grandchildren: Josh Benjamin, Lucas Allard, Noah Allard and Gracie Benjamin; and a sister Denise (Joel) Webb. In addition to his parents and wife, Edward was preceded in death by a great granddaughter Lillian Allard; and two brothers: David Allard and Jerry Allard.