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Robert Allen, given the spiritual name the “Lion’ |
Tributes pour in for the Lion – a fighter for justice
Locals mourn death of street dweller
SOUTH End Green is mourning the loss this week of street dweller Robert Allan, better known as “Lion”, who devoted his life to helping the homeless and fighting for justice at home and abroad.
With his thick dreadlocks and unmistakable voice anyone who has spent time in South End Green, where he liked to enjoy a beer with mates for more than 17 years, will remember him by his favourite saying: “Jah will provide.”
His sudden death, aged 41, has left a gaping hole in the community: bus drivers at the depot and flower stall trader John Atkins have spoken of his kindness and uplifting charm.
The village fountain has been adorned with flowers, a Bob Marley flag and a copy of the Big Issue signed to Lion by the rock group Oasis.
“He was the love of my life,” said his girlfriend Julie Lorrio. “I first met him at a stall in the Nag’s Head market and it was love at first sight. We are all lost without him.”
Mr Allan walked with a limp after shattering his heel in an accident that left him unable to hold down a job. But he did campaign for Greenpeace and recently attended the G20 protest in London and was once on television after scaling a mountain in Hungary. “If there was a cause, Lion was there,” said his best mate Darren Houghton.
Mr Allan got the spiritual name Lion from fellow volunteers at the Rainbow homeless shelter in Kentish Town after his love of reggae and the singer Bob Marley. Lion’s daughter Thea, 15, told of his cooking skills, love of mussels, and his ambition to own a vegetarian burger van.
Although celebrated as a resident of South End Green, Lion lived his whole life without a permanent home. After the death of his beloved father, William, he moved between several hostels in Camden.
Darren Houghton, who knew Mr Allan all his life since they were boys growing up on the Hilldrop estate, said: “All he wanted was a place to live he could take his kids to. He was the kind of guy who would give you his last pound or cigarette. If you gave him some food, Lion would give it to someone else and say: Jah will provide. Well it always did for him.”
Mr Allan leaves behind three sons, a daughter, two brothers and a sister. Everyone is welcome at Mr Allan’s funeral at the East Finchley Crematorium from 1pm on July 3. |
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Your comments:
Good by cus I will miss you Lion, I feel apart of me is missing. One things for sure Jah will provide where ever you are darling I love and miss you, you will be forever in my heart.
Love ya
Chris
xxxx
I had known rob for the last 20 odd years , i only new of the one son he had then and that was josh, he was a devoted father to josh and thouht the world of him. robert will be sadly missed but never 4 gotten, R I P Robert.
E. Nash
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