Gary Huston Allen

Born in Seattle, son of Charles and Vonnie Allen, and oldest of three boys, Gary was an independent and gentle rebel early on. He was raised in a musical family (Charles was an organ builder), but his tastes ran to bluegrass versus classical and liturgical tunes, so he had to hide his radio under his pillow to be able to listen at night. All his life he played and listened to bluegrass – the Dobro was his instrument – and music sustained his spirits

in his final days.

Gary attended Jane Adams high school, and spent a year living on a farm in the San Juan Islands with family friends. He joined the Marine Corps in l953 and was wounded serving in the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, he courted June Marilyn Hays, and they eventually married in 1965. The two of them raised June’s children, Garry and Debbie.

Gary worked for Kaiser Construction building freeways and tunnels, inspected buildings. He went to operate his own business, North City Mowers, where he repaired lawnmowers and small engines. Gary and June belonged to the Pilaguamish Community Club and maintained a second home there sitting around the campfire visiting with family and friends. Gary was skilled in archery and landscaping, and was the number one problem solver for friends and family on any kind of mechanical or construction project. He enjoyed slot car racing, drag racing in his 57 Chevy and all other forms of car racing. Gary was generous with his talents and time, especially in aid of others, and was fiercely loyal to his family and friends and to his principles. Above all, he had a gracious sense of humor that helped brighten even the darkest moments and diffuse the most awkward of situations!

Gary passed away on Friday, October 17, 2014 in the company of close family and friends. He is survived by his wife, June Allen, his children, Debbie (Jim) Hoover and Garry (Pina) Allen, and grandchildren Alex Hoover, Jessica Allen, and Tony Allen, and his brothers Louis (Sharon) Allen and Mark (June Anne) Allen and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as his cousin, Coralie (Rocky) Allen.

A special celebration of Gary Allen’s life will be held on Sunday, October 26th from 1-4pm in the Arrupe Room at St. Joseph Parish Center, 723 18th Avenue East in Seattle. His ashes will be interned at a later date at the Tahoma National Cemetery, a cemetery for veterans.

Donations in honor of Gary may be made to Semper Fi Fund 825 College Blvd Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057. It provides financial and emotional support for our injured service members and their families.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.