Allan is survived by his wife of 67 years, Jacqueline (Glasson) (our Mom) who he met at a church camp on Lake Winnipesaukee in 1948 and with whom he had three children, Kimberly, (with Warren Heaps in Florida), Jennifer, (with Bob Moffett in New Jersey) and Christopher, (with Toni Capel in Vermont); his grandchildren, Christopher, Owen, Leslie, Kylie and Lucas; his great-grandchildren Logan, Majeed and Quinn; and a beloved cat, Lola. Allan also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents John and Sara (Hayes); his sisters Alice and Geraldine; his brothers Earl and Robert; and his cherished twin Arthur.
Allan (Dad) loved music. As a young man, he drove with his brother to square dances all over New England, an interest which he sustained as an adult with his wife and their friends. Dad enjoyed musical theatre, performing in many early Heart Fund shows in Marlborough.
He was a member of the Gordon Bissell American Legion Keene Post #4 Band for over fifty years, playing trumpet and cymbals in events as far away as Texas and Hawaii. For almost thirty years, Dad added his beautiful tenor voice to the Barnstormers Men’s Choral Group singing in Pennsylvania, New York, and all of the New England states. Dad was a lifelong member of the Federated Church of Marlborough and sang in the choir most of his life. He volunteered many hours working at the church, whether helping to construct the Prayer Garden or revamping the pipe system for the organ. Dad nurtured a love of music in his children.
He had a long career in the United States Army, which included two years active duty and almost three decades with the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves. One of Dad’s proudest accomplishments was graduating in 1981 from the US Sergeant’s Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas, earning the rank of E-9 and serving his county as Command Sergeant Major until retirement in 1991. In 1958, Dad joined MPB in Keene and retired in 1990.
Interested in town politics, Dad became a selectman, a police officer, and was Marlborough’s Chief of Police from 1973 to 1976. He was considerably proud to provide security for President Gerald Ford when he came through Marlborough.
A tireless driver, Dad worked for Keene Toyota Volvo as a sub, and drove the family motor home to Florida every winter, visiting friends and family along the way. He also enjoyed being a volunteer teacher in the “55 Alive” Safe Driving Project. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and served as treasurer for a number of years.
Dad was known for his dedication, honesty, hard work and lively conversation. Quick with a joke or a laugh, his big smile and outgoing personality drew people to him. He had few complaints. He cared about justice and kindness, and treated everyone with fairness. Dad was a loyal companion for our mom and deeply loved by family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday February 10th, from 3:00 to 5:00PM in the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street, Keene. Burial will be later in the spring in the Pine Grove Cemetery, Marlborough.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Monadnock Humane Society, 101 West Swanzey Road, West Swanzey, NH 03446; or to Patient Care Needs of Hospice, c/o Home Healthcare Hospice and Community Services, PO Box 564, Keene, NH 03431-0564.
DONATIONS
Monadnock Humane Society101 West Swanzey Road, West Swanzey, New Hampshire 03446
Patient Care Needs of Hospicec/o Home Healthcare Hospice & Community Service, Keene, New Hampshire 03431-0564
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