Elbert Allan Gore

Elbert Allan "Al" Gore passed away on June 8, 2011 at Riverview Manor. Al was born March 21, 1929 in Konowa, Oklahoma, the first child for Elbert W. and Frankie Pearl (Allen) Gore. Al's siblings included James, who died shortly after his first birthday, Alice Myrle, Betty Sue, Leo, and Grace Lavern. Al's parents moved to Yakima in the 1940's. At the age of 17, Allan met and married the love of his life, Lena Mae (King) in Yakima, proposing to her on the Ferris wheel while at the fair. They were married on July 9, 1946 and were inseparable during their marriage, which only ended with Lena's passing three years ago. When Lena became sick, Al devoted himself to her care.

Lena and Al had their first son, John, while living in Yakima. Al, who had gotten a job selling shoes at the Yakima Sear's store downtown, moved back south to continue his shoe selling career. Their second son, Donald, was born three years later while in Amarillo, with Larry three years behind him when Al and Lena moved to Wichita Falls. Allan had moved up to managing shoe stores for Berlins and then Genesco. In 1961, Genesco transferred Al and his family to Portland to manage a shoe store. In the summer of 1969, Al moved his family back to Yakima and began working for Nordstrom's selling women's shoes. When not selling, Allan enjoyed hunting, fishing, and baseball.

With the three kids out on their own, Allan did what few people do anymore. He left the security of his job at Nordstrom's to try his hand in the orchard business. He had run a few small orchards in Terrace Heights and West Valley while selling shoes, but in 1978 purchased 300 acres on Royal Slope, just passed Royal City. He had great years as an orchardist and never complained about the long hours. Like everyone else, his crop was hurt by the 1980 ash of Mount St. Helens. He decided to downsize and sold that orchard to buy another one in Zillah. That, however, put him to close to Nordstrom's and in the 1990's he felt the call to return to the life of a shoe salesman. He loved his Nordstrom family and earned the distinction of a "Pacesetter" from that point until the store closed in 2001. Allan could think of no other career so he chose to accept retirement and spent time with Lena, his children and grandchildren. Al and Lena loved to travel to the Oregon coast.

Along with this wife, children, and work, Allan loved God and faithfully attended Southern Baptist churches wherever he lived. He was elected a deacon and served as a Sunday School teacher. His home church in Yakima was The Cross Church, a blending of the first church he joined, First Southern Baptist Church, and the last church he attended, Summitview Baptist Church. Although it bothered him and Lena when they could no longer attend, they were glad to be in retirement facilities that offered church services. In the 1980's they were thrilled to take a tour of Israel and Europe to experience the Biblical sites.

Al is survived by his sister, Grace Stetcher; sons, John (Hanya) of Tacoma, Don (Mary) of Issaquah, and Larry (Vikki) of Yakima, along with seven grandchildren and nine great-¬grandchildren. Al was proud of his boys and the men they have become. It gave him great pride to brag about his family.

The family wishes to express their thanks to the many health care professionals who have cared for Allan through the years including, Dr. Chris Catton, Dr. Kazman, Dr. Richard Hopp, the Yakima Regional Hospice staff (thanks, JoAnne!), staff from Orchard Park Retirement, Wynwood of Yakima, and most recently Riverview Manor in Selah. You are all a blessing!

In hopes that a future doctor can find a cure for both Dementia and Parkinson's disease, the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, 111 University Parkway, #202, Yakima, WA 98901.

Allan’s Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011 at The Cross Church, 8700 Summitview Avenue, Yakima, WA. The burial will be at West Hills Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.