ALLISON, Maurice Clarke ALLISON, Maurice Clarke - 73, Upper Hammonds Plains, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Upper Hammonds Plains, he was a son of the late Alonzo and Oravella (Oliver) Allison, and foster parents Stanford and Jessie (Stevens) Allison. In his early years he worked at the cooper shop and the lumber mill in Upper Hammonds Plains, and as a construction worker on Citadel Hill. He was then employed as a welder with the Nova Scotia Department of Highways for 29 years. Maurice was one of the founding members of the Upper Hammonds Plains Volunteer Fire Department (first all black Fire Department in Canada). He held various positions within the fire department, including Chief. Under his leadership, the extension to the fire hall facilities was completed and a Junior Fire Department was established. Maurice was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, where he was a previous member of the Brotherhood and the Voices of Praise choir. He loved hunting and fishing, fixing, building and collecting many items. He will be remembered for his willingness to help others, and as an avid fan of boxing and wrestling. We will miss his easygoing, friendly and generous personality. He is survived by daughters, Sabrina, Upper Hammonds Plains; Colleen (Harold) Westville; sons, Maurice Lewis, Oakville, Ont.; Maurice, Upper Hammonds Plains; Blaine, Scarborough, Ont.; Alceid (Yolande), Markham, Ont.; foster sister, Lillian Carvery, Upper Hammonds Plains; brothers, Frank, Upper Hammonds Plains; Donald Crawley, Halifax; Michael (Jessica) Crawley, Dartmouth; foster brother, Milton (Mary), Winnipeg, Man.; former wife, Leona Williams, Upper Hammonds Plains; special family friend, Florence Smith; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by sister, Heather (Crawley) Levia. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.K. Barnard Funeral Home. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, funeral service 2 p.m. Thursday, February 21, both at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 633 Pockwock Rd., Upper Hammonds Plains, with Rev. Dr. Lennett J. Anderson officiating. Interment will be in Upper Hammonds Plains Community Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund. The family would like to express gratitude to Florence Smith for the compassion and continuous care and support shown to their father during his illness. Also, special thanks to the palliative care staff at QEII Health Sciences Centre for all their kindness and help.