The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are appealing to the public to help find long-time numismatist Walter Allan, who hasn’t been seen by his family since July 18.
According to Bruce County OPP, Allan, 84, resides in Tobermory, Ont. Allan’s family told police they last spoke to him on July 18, when he told them he was heading to the 2017 convention of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA) in Boucherville, Que., held July 18-23.
Allan told family he would return July 23; however, RCNA show organizers say Allan didn’t make it to the convention.
On Aug. 11, The Montreal Gazette reported on Allan was sighted on July 21 in Ste-Brigide-d’Iberville, Que., which is about 60 kilometres outside of Montreal.
AVID COLLECTOR, PROMINENT NUMISMATIST
Allan is an avid collector of paper money and coins and an active member of the Canadian Paper Money Society (CPMS).
“He’s a very prominent numismatist and very well known for decades,” said RCNA Executive Director Paul Johnson.
SEARCHING FOR ALLAN
According to police, Allan suffers from Parkinson’s disease and is suspended from driving. He’s described as having a white complexion, a height of 5 feet 8 inches with a thin build and a weight of 150-160 pounds. He has white hair and a full white beard.
The OPP and Sûreté du Québec are searching for Allan, who was driving a red 2007 Ford Focus ZXW station-wagon with Ontario plates reading “ABNW 718.”
Police are asking anyone with information as to his whereabouts to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure tip online at cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.