Blaine Evans Allen, 68, of Haines, died Sept. 24 peacefully at his home. Visitation will run from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday with the funeral service following at noon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Hughes Lane in Baker City. Vault interment will be held at the Haines Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
Blaine was born March 29, 1939, to Louis and Merle Bracken Allen in Ogden, Utah, the fifth of seven children. On Oct. 13, 1956, he married the love of his life, Ann Searle Allen. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Temple. They were married for 51 years.
Blaine was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those who knew him say he will be remembered for his love of people, generosity, witty humor and strong dedication to his family.
Blaine was considered an outstanding cattleman in Haines and throughout Union County. He was a rancher, farmer, poet and writer. Blaine was a friend to all; he never knew a stranger. Those who knew Blaine say he was a master of helping others to believe in themselves and their dreams.
Blaine is survived by his wife, Ann Searle Allen of Haines; sons, Blaine Jr. and his wife, Linda, of North Ogden, Utah, Brad Allen and his wife, June, of Haines and Brandon Allen of Crestwood, Ky.; daughters, Shelley Hill and her husband, Greg, of Bountiful, Utah, Shari Selander and her husband, Alan, of Carbondale, Ill., and Stephanie Allen of Haines; 23 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Nedra Florence and Colleen Gallegos. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Reed, Louis, Jay, Frank Allen and Merlene Rivera.
Memorial contributions may be made to the LDS Humanitarian Fund in care of Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City 97814.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries For The Week Ending September 29, 2007 – Published: September 29, 2007