MARION H. ALLEN
Marion Harland Allen (Al), of Stanwood, passed away with quiet dignity May 23, 2009. Much as he did everything in his life, it was on his own terms and in his own time.
Al was born March 24, 1916 in Casey, IA. At 17, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and when old enough joined the Works Progress Administration (WPA) like his father. His work took him to Cedar Rapids, IA, where he met and married Margaret Wharton (Peg).
Shortly after he joined the Army Air Corps and served as an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Al rarely talked about the war with family, but always held true to his Army buddies and enjoyed many reunions with them.
After the war, he returned to Cedar Rapids to raise two daughters with Peg. They enjoyed spending time with close friends at dances, playing cards and on picnics.
After their daughters were grown, they moved to Mountlake Terrace, WA, where Al went to work for Boeing and then as custodian at Shoreline High School. Al made many attachments to the students, some which held strong throughout the rest of his life.
Retirement found Al and Peg on Camano Island. He loved "Allen's Pond" and enjoyed entertaining family and friends there. Al took great care of his sanctuary and roamed the property like a king would survey his lands. Never to sit idle, he could always be found building bridges, planting trees, walking trails or chauffeuring other seniors to medical appointments.
Al's final days were spent surrounded by the love of his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who find it only fitting that he would choose Memorial Day weekend to join his wife Peg in their next adventure together.
Al is survived by his sister, Maxine Kirkpatrick; daughters, Nancy Allen and Rosemary Waterman; grandchildren, Rebecca (Robert), Corinne (Jason) and Jordan (Donna); seven greatgrandchildren, Thomas, Josiah, Asia, Beto, Reilli, Christopher and Bella; and his extended family.
A memorial service will be held Sat., June 27, at Josephine care facility in Stanwood.
