Obituary of Robert L. Allen

Robert L. Allen, 78, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2021, in Olympia, Washington, from complications of a heart condition. He was born on December 20, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, and spent his youth traveling and living in various locations around the world as an Air Force brat.  Bob served in the U.S. Army before settling in Olympia in 1964.

 

Bob retired as Fire Chief of McLane Fire Station in 1986. Prior to being Chief of McLane, he served as volunteer fire chief of Griffin Fire Station from 1979 to 1983. He was in the first group of Medic One paramedics in Thurston County, working from 1974 to 1983. Before becoming a paramedic, he worked for the Olympia Fire Station as a fire fighter from 1966 to 1974.

 

Bob was an avid golfer, and accomplished two holes-in-one during his golfing days, as well as participating in the Mid-Washington Senior Golf Association. He also loved traveling with his wife in their motorhome, traveling all over the continent from Canada to Mexico and many locations in between.  His summers were spent camping with his family and grandkids. His hobby was buying, selling and restoring old cars. He was excessively proud of his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed sharing stories about them with anyone who would listen.

 

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Laura; his daughter, Debra Allen-Ba (spouse, Amadou Ba) of Olympia; his son, Robert W. Allen of Snook, Texas; his four grandchildren, Moustapha Ba, Haby “Neene” Ba, Ibrahima “Baabo” Ba, Mariama Ba; and three sisters, Linda (spouse, Scott Slaba), Kathy, and Tina Allen (spouse, Fred Westfall).  He was preceded in death by his father, Jack B. Allen of Greenville, Texas; and mother, Jean A. Barkley of Tacoma, Washington.

 

There will not be a memorial service at this time due to COVID. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in his honor.

 

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