Allen Albert Costa

but some people are remembered most for things

they focused on with great passion. Allen A. Costa

will certainly be remembered as someone who

endeavored always to leave something better than

how he found it. A child of his once asked him,

Dad, why do you want to be a farmer? He replied, “I

like the idea of putting seed into ground that looks

bad and figuring out a way to make it produce

something and make it look better.” That spirit of

always finding a way to make something better

drove him throughout his life. And, while not

always understood, it became a lasting part of his

legacy.

What follows are the details of his life as we

share his passing from this earth on September 24,

2023. He was 83 years old....

Allen was born on April 8, 1940, in Visalia,

California, to Manuel R. Costa Sr. and Olga Ann

Costa. Both preceded him in death. He was their

oldest biological son and a member of an extensive,

blended family, which included five sisters and four

brothers. Several of them survive.

He learned to work very hard early, growing

up on both a dairy and a farm. While attending

Mount Whitney High School in Visalia, he met his first wife, Joyce Woods,

at the movie theater. They married and had three children: Joy, Susan, and

Mark. They all survive today and blessed him with seven grandchildren and

ten great-grandchildren.

Later in his life, after his divorce, he reconnected with his friend Doris

while seeking a new relationship with God. Their friendship grew into a

deep and lasting devotion, and they married in 2003. He is survived by his

‘Honey Baby’ Doris Costa, who is comforted by her faith and tells her he is

now at peace with his Lord.

Allen loved being a farmer, but that did not prevent him from trying

his hand at other professions. Many young businesspeople benefited from

his mentoring and assistance from investments to entrepreneurship. His

penchant for hard work and commitment to his word kept him close to

home, but he certainly loved the Central Valley and the Central Coast. He

and his wife often enjoyed Three Rivers and Pismo Beach day trips. The last

years of his life were filled with good memories and adventures.

Allen was vocal about his beliefs and an avid contributor to his local

newspapers opinion column. He would also carry on a long and passionate

conversation with anyone who would engage. Additionally, he was quite

creative and enjoyed songwriting and playing the guitar. Even with his stern

exterior, he had a soft and sympathetic heart, which these gifts allowed him

to express.

Allen was a long-time member and contributor to several growers and

producer organizations in the area. He always felt supporting local issues

affecting the farming communities in the Central Valley was important.

Additionally, Allen enjoyed cultivating his Portuguese heritage by participating

in the annual Festa celebrations at the P.P.A.V in Visalia. He will be

remembered fondly by all of these groups.

The last thing that no one should forget and not be overshadowed in

this shortened version of a man’s life is how vital his memories were to him.

And for that reason, he detested and fought against the cruelty of dementia.

Within Allen’s effects, you will find pictures of his ancestors from generations

past, marked with names and significant notables. Seemingly insignificant

notes written to him by his children, grandchildren, or friends that he kept

because they meant something special to him. Stacks of notebooks, which

he always carried with him in his pocket

or whatever he was driving. Notes about things not to forget, things that

happened, when the water had gotten to the end of a row, or something he

heard on the radio.

Allen’s mind was always full of facts and memories, and this was where

he found his safety and security. So, it was unfortunate to observe when it

was taken from him. His family will forever be grateful to those of you who

assisted with his care and prayed for him. We can now rest assured that he

is renewed and at peace, full of all the knowledge he so desired to have.

Funeral services will be held at Miller’s Memorial Chapel, 1120 W.

Goshen Avenue, Visalia, California, on Saturday, October 21st at 10 a.m.

Allen will be buried at the Visalia Cemetery.

Reception to follow.