Harold Edward Allert

Harold (Hal) E. Allert, wonderful husband of 49 years to the late Susan P. (Ciara) Allert, passed away in his home on December 20, 2017 at the age of 71. Born November 27, 1946 to late parents Rosemary and Harold Allert, Hal excelled in sports while in high school and was senior class president. As a weatherman in the Navy, Hal whisked Susan away to Japan where they began their adventures together. Having successfully connected with other bluegrass and folk musicians in Japan and bringing two daughters into their world, Hal and Susan later set sail for Washington State where they eventually settled in Pullman, Washington. Hal attended WSU and earned a forestry degree, which landed him a job with Whitman County Parks. Another child blessed their lives, as did many musicians, home brewers, Golden Retrievers, Dungeon and Dragons players, and long-lasting friends. Once they moved to Spokane, Hal was not one to stay idle. He worked as a photographer and city planner but his thirst for play and hobbies, along with his amazing sense of humor, is what he will best be remembered for.

One of Hal’s greatest gifts was the life he helped Susan live as she fought illness throughout most of her life. He was patient, giving, selfless, and helped her experience the world and its gifts, regardless of her limitations. He was in every sense of the word “A life saver” until she passed away in their home two weeks after his passing. Hal is survived by his sisters Patricia Cartwright and Nancy Price; his daughters Jennifer Allert Nelson, Cheyenne M. Roduin, and Jesse L. Allert; and his grandchildren Christopher I. Nelson, Benjamin C. Roduin, and Anja S. Nelson.

Please join his family and friends in remembering and celebrating the life of Hal Allert through memories of what made him beautiful: Bluegrass and Classical banjo (Hog Heaven, Normal Fish n’Tackle Band, New Criterion Banjo Orchestra), photographs of old barns and ghost towns, leather tooling, rooms full of golden retriever puppies freshly washed, airbrushing old pictures to look vibrant once again, painting D&D figurines, 3-D movies and comics, cigars, carefully loved bonsai trees in every shape and color, geocaching with his granddaughter, eclectic neckties, a soothing baritone voice, jokes (both tasteful and not), and most importantly a heart big enough to share with us all.

If you wish to make a donation in Hal’s honor, you can donate to the Hal Allert Bonsai Scholarship Fund at the Inland Empire Bonsai Society by emailing: [email protected].