Dennis Ray Allen
1946 - 2021
Salem - November 3rd 1946 - April 29th 2021
Dennis Ray Allen, 74, of Salem, left his family and friends, on Thursday, April 29th, 2021, after a hard-fought battle, with COVID 19.
Dennis, was born November 3rd, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Verle and Evelyn Allen. Dennis was the oldest of four children. His sisters, Kathy and Denise, were born in 1949 and 1952. Verle and Evelyn moved the Allen family to the Four Corners neighborhood, in Salem, Oregon, in 1953. Dennis' youngest sibling, Kent, was born in 1962.
Dennis, attended local schools starting at Highland Elementary and graduated from North Salem High School, in 1965. He immediately joined the United States Airforce, in 1965, and served four years, during the Vietnam War. After serving overseas, Dennis returned stateside and in 1969, met the love of his life, Kathie Thomas, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married on June 28th, 1969, in Wichita, the beginning of a marvelous adventure!
Dennis and Kathie, returned to Salem, and began their loving marriage. Their first son, Timothy Ray, was born in 1973. David Ray and Jesse Ray, soon followed, in 1975 and 1978. The Allen Family lived in the Jan Ree neighborhood, for over 45 years. Dennis was a loving and caring husband and father.
Dennis always wore a welcoming face and had a wonderful gift of being able to chat with anyone he came across. He was also a great negotiator! These skills were put to good use, in his role as Salesman. Dennis spent his entire career as a Salesman at E.P.I., Mercer Industries, and Northwest Door & Supply. His hard work ethic, allowed him to spend valuable time with his family. They spent many summer weekends camping and waterskiing, at Oregon's finest state parks. His favorites being, Lake Billy Chinook and Detroit Lake State Park.
Dennis, lived life to the fullest and had so many passions! He made his family his highest priority and still had so much room in his heart, that his love touched further beyond, than anyone knows. There are friends he has stayed in touch with since childhood, families that have decades of memories, camping, boating, fishing, hunting or golfing with him, generations of men that have joined together for poker nights (aka choir practice) and so many co-workers that appreciated him. We all enjoyed his presence! He was an avid sports fan and for many years had purchased season tickets for Portland Trailblazer basketball and then U of O Duck football games. As with everything else in life, Dennis shared with those he loved. Many of his family members and friends, will forever remember their time at these games! Some may say that Dennis' greatest passion and meaningful position, was coaching. He began his coaching career, being a parent volunteer, while his sons participated in football, baseball and basketball. Most parents stop volunteering, after their kids stop participating; Dennis was far apart from most!
Coach Allen, will forever be a significant member of our community! He was the head coach of the Boys and Girls Club heavyweight Chiefs football team, for 25 years, coaching multiple generations of families. His family will always remember the long days committed to supporting his loved ones, completing his work, then going over and beyond, to store and transport gear, transport players, talk to parents and coordinate events! After suffering from a heart attack, Dennis "retired" from coaching, in 2007. The community mourned this news and celebrated his greatness in ceremony! The Statesman Journal, quoted Dennis in their article about him, on September 24th, 2007, "The biggest thing I enjoy, is watching kids improve each year, the biggest thrill, is to have kids, three years later at 6-2, 190 pounds looking down on you and say, 'Hey coach, do you remember me?'" His players all remember him and he was so fond of them. They were some of the greatest highlights of his life! McKay High School, also joined in the dedication to Coach Allen, at this time. One was quoted as saying, "You go to McKay and watch, you know which players were Chiefs, just by their athletic ability and the way they played the game, and just because of the ability, Coach Allen had. The people that had a chance to play for him, were very lucky". Another was quoted saying, "We had a good sense of family, when we played with him, that was first and foremost, before winning-playing as a team."
Dennis continued coaching, in a different capacity, for many more years. He was able to coach his grandchildren, in a variety of sports and dedicated himself to coaching golf, at McKay High School. During all this time, he also dedicated himself to helping teams fundraise. One could so often find him working the concession stand or standing along the sidelines in his shorts, regardless of the temperature!
In 2017, Dennis and Kathie, moved from Jan Ree, to Terrace Lake Retirement Community. Dennis immediately got involved with the parks, many activities. Dennis and Kathie, have developed deep friendships in their short time, at Terrace Lake; and also, where Dennis and Kathie, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, last June.
Dennis had the magnificent ability to make each person in his life, feel like each was so very important! It is almost unbelievable how much time he was able to dedicate to each passion in his life. His country, family, friends, teams and co-workers, were all a priority!
Dennis is preceeded in death by his parents, Verle "Bud" Ray and Evelyn May Allen; and his oldest son, Timothy Ray Allen. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sons, David and Jesse; sisters, Kathy and Denise; brother, Kent; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and more extended family members, than anyone can count!
Dennis' smile was welcoming, his embrace comforting, his guidance invaluable and a presence, that warmed all of our hearts! Dennis will be laid to rest next to his son, Tim, and near his parents, at Belcrest Memorial Park, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, at 11:00 am. Services will be limited to family and close friends, due to Covid restrictions. The Allen family, very much appreciates all condolences and wishes with all our hearts, that situations were not limited; and that we could gather in large numbers, to celebrate this wonderful man!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for charitable donations to be made to, the McKay High School Athletic Booster Club or the Boys and Girls Club, of Salem.
Published in The Statesman Journal from May 13 to May 16, 2021.
Burial
Belcrest Memorial Park
Salem, OR
1946 - 2021
Salem - November 3rd 1946 - April 29th 2021
Dennis Ray Allen, 74, of Salem, left his family and friends, on Thursday, April 29th, 2021, after a hard-fought battle, with COVID 19.
Dennis, was born November 3rd, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Verle and Evelyn Allen. Dennis was the oldest of four children. His sisters, Kathy and Denise, were born in 1949 and 1952. Verle and Evelyn moved the Allen family to the Four Corners neighborhood, in Salem, Oregon, in 1953. Dennis' youngest sibling, Kent, was born in 1962.
Dennis, attended local schools starting at Highland Elementary and graduated from North Salem High School, in 1965. He immediately joined the United States Airforce, in 1965, and served four years, during the Vietnam War. After serving overseas, Dennis returned stateside and in 1969, met the love of his life, Kathie Thomas, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married on June 28th, 1969, in Wichita, the beginning of a marvelous adventure!
Dennis and Kathie, returned to Salem, and began their loving marriage. Their first son, Timothy Ray, was born in 1973. David Ray and Jesse Ray, soon followed, in 1975 and 1978. The Allen Family lived in the Jan Ree neighborhood, for over 45 years. Dennis was a loving and caring husband and father.
Dennis always wore a welcoming face and had a wonderful gift of being able to chat with anyone he came across. He was also a great negotiator! These skills were put to good use, in his role as Salesman. Dennis spent his entire career as a Salesman at E.P.I., Mercer Industries, and Northwest Door & Supply. His hard work ethic, allowed him to spend valuable time with his family. They spent many summer weekends camping and waterskiing, at Oregon's finest state parks. His favorites being, Lake Billy Chinook and Detroit Lake State Park.
Dennis, lived life to the fullest and had so many passions! He made his family his highest priority and still had so much room in his heart, that his love touched further beyond, than anyone knows. There are friends he has stayed in touch with since childhood, families that have decades of memories, camping, boating, fishing, hunting or golfing with him, generations of men that have joined together for poker nights (aka choir practice) and so many co-workers that appreciated him. We all enjoyed his presence! He was an avid sports fan and for many years had purchased season tickets for Portland Trailblazer basketball and then U of O Duck football games. As with everything else in life, Dennis shared with those he loved. Many of his family members and friends, will forever remember their time at these games! Some may say that Dennis' greatest passion and meaningful position, was coaching. He began his coaching career, being a parent volunteer, while his sons participated in football, baseball and basketball. Most parents stop volunteering, after their kids stop participating; Dennis was far apart from most!
Coach Allen, will forever be a significant member of our community! He was the head coach of the Boys and Girls Club heavyweight Chiefs football team, for 25 years, coaching multiple generations of families. His family will always remember the long days committed to supporting his loved ones, completing his work, then going over and beyond, to store and transport gear, transport players, talk to parents and coordinate events! After suffering from a heart attack, Dennis "retired" from coaching, in 2007. The community mourned this news and celebrated his greatness in ceremony! The Statesman Journal, quoted Dennis in their article about him, on September 24th, 2007, "The biggest thing I enjoy, is watching kids improve each year, the biggest thrill, is to have kids, three years later at 6-2, 190 pounds looking down on you and say, 'Hey coach, do you remember me?'" His players all remember him and he was so fond of them. They were some of the greatest highlights of his life! McKay High School, also joined in the dedication to Coach Allen, at this time. One was quoted as saying, "You go to McKay and watch, you know which players were Chiefs, just by their athletic ability and the way they played the game, and just because of the ability, Coach Allen had. The people that had a chance to play for him, were very lucky". Another was quoted saying, "We had a good sense of family, when we played with him, that was first and foremost, before winning-playing as a team."
Dennis continued coaching, in a different capacity, for many more years. He was able to coach his grandchildren, in a variety of sports and dedicated himself to coaching golf, at McKay High School. During all this time, he also dedicated himself to helping teams fundraise. One could so often find him working the concession stand or standing along the sidelines in his shorts, regardless of the temperature!
In 2017, Dennis and Kathie, moved from Jan Ree, to Terrace Lake Retirement Community. Dennis immediately got involved with the parks, many activities. Dennis and Kathie, have developed deep friendships in their short time, at Terrace Lake; and also, where Dennis and Kathie, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, last June.
Dennis had the magnificent ability to make each person in his life, feel like each was so very important! It is almost unbelievable how much time he was able to dedicate to each passion in his life. His country, family, friends, teams and co-workers, were all a priority!
Dennis is preceeded in death by his parents, Verle "Bud" Ray and Evelyn May Allen; and his oldest son, Timothy Ray Allen. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sons, David and Jesse; sisters, Kathy and Denise; brother, Kent; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and more extended family members, than anyone can count!
Dennis' smile was welcoming, his embrace comforting, his guidance invaluable and a presence, that warmed all of our hearts! Dennis will be laid to rest next to his son, Tim, and near his parents, at Belcrest Memorial Park, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, at 11:00 am. Services will be limited to family and close friends, due to Covid restrictions. The Allen family, very much appreciates all condolences and wishes with all our hearts, that situations were not limited; and that we could gather in large numbers, to celebrate this wonderful man!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for charitable donations to be made to, the McKay High School Athletic Booster Club or the Boys and Girls Club, of Salem.
Published in The Statesman Journal from May 13 to May 16, 2021.
Burial
Belcrest Memorial Park
Salem, OR
Dennis Ray Allen
1946 - 2021
Salem - November 3rd 1946 - April 29th 2021
Dennis Ray Allen, 74, of Salem, left his family and friends, on Thursday, April 29th, 2021, after a hard-fought battle, with COVID 19.
Dennis, was born November 3rd, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Verle and Evelyn Allen. Dennis was the oldest of four children. His sisters, Kathy and Denise, were born in 1949 and 1952. Verle and Evelyn moved the Allen family to the Four Corners neighborhood, in Salem, Oregon, in 1953. Dennis' youngest sibling, Kent, was born in 1962.
Dennis, attended local schools starting at Highland Elementary and graduated from North Salem High School, in 1965. He immediately joined the United States Airforce, in 1965, and served four years, during the Vietnam War. After serving overseas, Dennis returned stateside and in 1969, met the love of his life, Kathie Thomas, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married on June 28th, 1969, in Wichita, the beginning of a marvelous adventure!
Dennis and Kathie, returned to Salem, and began their loving marriage. Their first son, Timothy Ray, was born in 1973. David Ray and Jesse Ray, soon followed, in 1975 and 1978. The Allen Family lived in the Jan Ree neighborhood, for over 45 years. Dennis was a loving and caring husband and father.
Dennis always wore a welcoming face and had a wonderful gift of being able to chat with anyone he came across. He was also a great negotiator! These skills were put to good use, in his role as Salesman. Dennis spent his entire career as a Salesman at E.P.I., Mercer Industries, and Northwest Door & Supply. His hard work ethic, allowed him to spend valuable time with his family. They spent many summer weekends camping and waterskiing, at Oregon's finest state parks. His favorites being, Lake Billy Chinook and Detroit Lake State Park.
Dennis, lived life to the fullest and had so many passions! He made his family his highest priority and still had so much room in his heart, that his love touched further beyond, than anyone knows. There are friends he has stayed in touch with since childhood, families that have decades of memories, camping, boating, fishing, hunting or golfing with him, generations of men that have joined together for poker nights (aka choir practice) and so many co-workers that appreciated him. We all enjoyed his presence! He was an avid sports fan and for many years had purchased season tickets for Portland Trailblazer basketball and then U of O Duck football games. As with everything else in life, Dennis shared with those he loved. Many of his family members and friends, will forever remember their time at these games! Some may say that Dennis' greatest passion and meaningful position, was coaching. He began his coaching career, being a parent volunteer, while his sons participated in football, baseball and basketball. Most parents stop volunteering, after their kids stop participating; Dennis was far apart from most!
Coach Allen, will forever be a significant member of our community! He was the head coach of the Boys and Girls Club heavyweight Chiefs football team, for 25 years, coaching multiple generations of families. His family will always remember the long days committed to supporting his loved ones, completing his work, then going over and beyond, to store and transport gear, transport players, talk to parents and coordinate events! After suffering from a heart attack, Dennis "retired" from coaching, in 2007. The community mourned this news and celebrated his greatness in ceremony! The Statesman Journal, quoted Dennis in their article about him, on September 24th, 2007, "The biggest thing I enjoy, is watching kids improve each year, the biggest thrill, is to have kids, three years later at 6-2, 190 pounds looking down on you and say, 'Hey coach, do you remember me?'" His players all remember him and he was so fond of them. They were some of the greatest highlights of his life! McKay High School, also joined in the dedication to Coach Allen, at this time. One was quoted as saying, "You go to McKay and watch, you know which players were Chiefs, just by their athletic ability and the way they played the game, and just because of the ability, Coach Allen had. The people that had a chance to play for him, were very lucky". Another was quoted saying, "We had a good sense of family, when we played with him, that was first and foremost, before winning-playing as a team."
Dennis continued coaching, in a different capacity, for many more years. He was able to coach his grandchildren, in a variety of sports and dedicated himself to coaching golf, at McKay High School. During all this time, he also dedicated himself to helping teams fundraise. One could so often find him working the concession stand or standing along the sidelines in his shorts, regardless of the temperature!
In 2017, Dennis and Kathie, moved from Jan Ree, to Terrace Lake Retirement Community. Dennis immediately got involved with the parks, many activities. Dennis and Kathie, have developed deep friendships in their short time, at Terrace Lake; and also, where Dennis and Kathie, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, last June.
Dennis had the magnificent ability to make each person in his life, feel like each was so very important! It is almost unbelievable how much time he was able to dedicate to each passion in his life. His country, family, friends, teams and co-workers, were all a priority!
Dennis is preceeded in death by his parents, Verle "Bud" Ray and Evelyn May Allen; and his oldest son, Timothy Ray Allen. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sons, David and Jesse; sisters, Kathy and Denise; brother, Kent; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and more extended family members, than anyone can count!
Dennis' smile was welcoming, his embrace comforting, his guidance invaluable and a presence, that warmed all of our hearts! Dennis will be laid to rest next to his son, Tim, and near his parents, at Belcrest Memorial Park, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, at 11:00 am. Services will be limited to family and close friends, due to Covid restrictions. The Allen family, very much appreciates all condolences and wishes with all our hearts, that situations were not limited; and that we could gather in large numbers, to celebrate this wonderful man!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for charitable donations to be made to, the McKay High School Athletic Booster Club or the Boys and Girls Club, of Salem.
Published in The Statesman Journal from May 13 to May 16, 2021.
Burial
Belcrest Memorial Park
Salem, OR
1946 - 2021
Salem - November 3rd 1946 - April 29th 2021
Dennis Ray Allen, 74, of Salem, left his family and friends, on Thursday, April 29th, 2021, after a hard-fought battle, with COVID 19.
Dennis, was born November 3rd, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Verle and Evelyn Allen. Dennis was the oldest of four children. His sisters, Kathy and Denise, were born in 1949 and 1952. Verle and Evelyn moved the Allen family to the Four Corners neighborhood, in Salem, Oregon, in 1953. Dennis' youngest sibling, Kent, was born in 1962.
Dennis, attended local schools starting at Highland Elementary and graduated from North Salem High School, in 1965. He immediately joined the United States Airforce, in 1965, and served four years, during the Vietnam War. After serving overseas, Dennis returned stateside and in 1969, met the love of his life, Kathie Thomas, in Wichita, Kansas. They were married on June 28th, 1969, in Wichita, the beginning of a marvelous adventure!
Dennis and Kathie, returned to Salem, and began their loving marriage. Their first son, Timothy Ray, was born in 1973. David Ray and Jesse Ray, soon followed, in 1975 and 1978. The Allen Family lived in the Jan Ree neighborhood, for over 45 years. Dennis was a loving and caring husband and father.
Dennis always wore a welcoming face and had a wonderful gift of being able to chat with anyone he came across. He was also a great negotiator! These skills were put to good use, in his role as Salesman. Dennis spent his entire career as a Salesman at E.P.I., Mercer Industries, and Northwest Door & Supply. His hard work ethic, allowed him to spend valuable time with his family. They spent many summer weekends camping and waterskiing, at Oregon's finest state parks. His favorites being, Lake Billy Chinook and Detroit Lake State Park.
Dennis, lived life to the fullest and had so many passions! He made his family his highest priority and still had so much room in his heart, that his love touched further beyond, than anyone knows. There are friends he has stayed in touch with since childhood, families that have decades of memories, camping, boating, fishing, hunting or golfing with him, generations of men that have joined together for poker nights (aka choir practice) and so many co-workers that appreciated him. We all enjoyed his presence! He was an avid sports fan and for many years had purchased season tickets for Portland Trailblazer basketball and then U of O Duck football games. As with everything else in life, Dennis shared with those he loved. Many of his family members and friends, will forever remember their time at these games! Some may say that Dennis' greatest passion and meaningful position, was coaching. He began his coaching career, being a parent volunteer, while his sons participated in football, baseball and basketball. Most parents stop volunteering, after their kids stop participating; Dennis was far apart from most!
Coach Allen, will forever be a significant member of our community! He was the head coach of the Boys and Girls Club heavyweight Chiefs football team, for 25 years, coaching multiple generations of families. His family will always remember the long days committed to supporting his loved ones, completing his work, then going over and beyond, to store and transport gear, transport players, talk to parents and coordinate events! After suffering from a heart attack, Dennis "retired" from coaching, in 2007. The community mourned this news and celebrated his greatness in ceremony! The Statesman Journal, quoted Dennis in their article about him, on September 24th, 2007, "The biggest thing I enjoy, is watching kids improve each year, the biggest thrill, is to have kids, three years later at 6-2, 190 pounds looking down on you and say, 'Hey coach, do you remember me?'" His players all remember him and he was so fond of them. They were some of the greatest highlights of his life! McKay High School, also joined in the dedication to Coach Allen, at this time. One was quoted as saying, "You go to McKay and watch, you know which players were Chiefs, just by their athletic ability and the way they played the game, and just because of the ability, Coach Allen had. The people that had a chance to play for him, were very lucky". Another was quoted saying, "We had a good sense of family, when we played with him, that was first and foremost, before winning-playing as a team."
Dennis continued coaching, in a different capacity, for many more years. He was able to coach his grandchildren, in a variety of sports and dedicated himself to coaching golf, at McKay High School. During all this time, he also dedicated himself to helping teams fundraise. One could so often find him working the concession stand or standing along the sidelines in his shorts, regardless of the temperature!
In 2017, Dennis and Kathie, moved from Jan Ree, to Terrace Lake Retirement Community. Dennis immediately got involved with the parks, many activities. Dennis and Kathie, have developed deep friendships in their short time, at Terrace Lake; and also, where Dennis and Kathie, celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, last June.
Dennis had the magnificent ability to make each person in his life, feel like each was so very important! It is almost unbelievable how much time he was able to dedicate to each passion in his life. His country, family, friends, teams and co-workers, were all a priority!
Dennis is preceeded in death by his parents, Verle "Bud" Ray and Evelyn May Allen; and his oldest son, Timothy Ray Allen. Dennis is survived by his wife, Kathie; his sons, David and Jesse; sisters, Kathy and Denise; brother, Kent; seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and more extended family members, than anyone can count!
Dennis' smile was welcoming, his embrace comforting, his guidance invaluable and a presence, that warmed all of our hearts! Dennis will be laid to rest next to his son, Tim, and near his parents, at Belcrest Memorial Park, on Saturday, May 22nd, 2021, at 11:00 am. Services will be limited to family and close friends, due to Covid restrictions. The Allen family, very much appreciates all condolences and wishes with all our hearts, that situations were not limited; and that we could gather in large numbers, to celebrate this wonderful man!
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for charitable donations to be made to, the McKay High School Athletic Booster Club or the Boys and Girls Club, of Salem.
Published in The Statesman Journal from May 13 to May 16, 2021.
Burial
Belcrest Memorial Park
Salem, OR
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