Baker City, Oregon
Alford B. Allen was born in Washington, Indiana, on July 23, 1929. However at the age of 17, he spent two weeks convincing the county clerk to change his birth records to indicate he was born in 1928 so that he could enlist during WWII. While in the Navy, in addition to performing duties as an electrician’s mate, he was a member of a Navy boxing team and was known for his fierce left hook, winning all of his bouts by knockout. Towards the end of his service, he was stationed in Astoria where he met Dora R. Long. They fell in love, were married, and moved to Baker City. They had three children, John, Mike, and Teresa.
Al resided in Baker for about 50 years. During that time, he had numerous jobs as a ranch hand, a logger, a truck driver, and a diesel mechanic. He was a hard worker and well respected by those with whom he worked and was always ready to lend a hand when others needed help. In recent years, he was a familiar sight riding a three wheeler and removing snow from sidewalks around his neighborhood along with long time friend Bill Pilcher. He was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
Al fought a long battle with cancer, and died on Friday, June 4, 2004, in Kennewick, Washington, surrounded by loving family members at the home of his eldest son, John. He was preceded in death by his wife, “Dodie,” his son, Mike, his parents, his brother, Jim, and sisters, Wilma and Shirley. Al is survived by “his lady” and special friend Jan La Grande; his son, John and daughter-in-law, Lynne, and grandchildren Heidi and Travis; his daughter Teresa Watson and son-in-law, Wes of Portland and granddaughter Britney; his son Mike’s children, Michelle and Ryan; his brothers Doug, George and Dan, live in Indiana and his sister Suzie lives in Florida.
At Al’s request, no official services will be held, but his ashes will be placed beside his loving wife, Dora’s side at Mt. Hope Cemetery on Saturday June 12, at 3 pm. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Soc. which promotes cancer prevention and research, continuing the fight for a cancer cure.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon Thursday June 10, 2004
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor