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Robert H. "Bob" Allen

Robert H. "Bob" Allen obituary

Robert Allen Obituary

Allen, Robert H. (Bob)
87, passed away May 3 at Hospice of the Valley's Coronado Home. Bob was cared for and comforted during his final illness by his loving wife of 29 years, Karolyn, his children Kelly Sifferman, Kathryn Allen and Thomas H. Allen, and his sister Doris Chasey.
With an incredibly wide range of interests, Bob lived life to the fullest. One could find him as easily at the Arizona Opera as at a Diamondbacks game (although an endlessly hopeful Cubs fan) or on a hike in Havasupai Canyon (using the skills learned as an Eagle scout). He loved reading, music and travel. Bob and Karolyn's home was always full of laughter and song. Bob especially enjoyed a conversation with everyone he met, making each person feel special.
Born in Phoenix on May 15, 1925 to Henry and Louise Allen, Bob attended Kenilworth grade school and North High, graduating in 1943 as part of that school's first full four-year class. Selected for the Navy's College Training Program, Bob was assigned to the V-12 Unit at the University of Texas where he studied pre-med and served on active duty until 1946. Deciding to pursue a different profession, Bob entered Harvard Law School. After graduation in 1948, Bob returned to Arizona to join his father at Fennemore, Craig, Allen & Bledsoe. He remained an active member of the State Bar of Arizona for more than 63 years, the last 15 years "of counsel" to his son's firm, Allen, Sala & Bayne.
A life-long Democrat, Bob was the party's Arizona state chairman from 1963 through 1966, and led this state's delegation at the 1964 Democratic National convention. However, Bob did not limit his friendships to those who shared his political or social views. He enjoyed a long mutually respectful relationship with two United States Supreme Court justices, Sandra Day O'Connor and the late William Rehnquist, both Republicans.
Bob spent decades of summers at Iron Springs, first with his parents and sisters, then with his children and grandchildren. He guided and encouraged countless people on their first ascent of Boulder. Some would not climb to Top Rock without Bob even when he was in his late 70s.
Bob was a member of the Phoenix Country Club, Valley Field Riding & Polo Club, Boy Scouts of America and Amnesty International.
He was preceded in death by his parents, spouse Margaret (Maggie) and sister Dr. Elaine Obrinksy. In addition to Karolyn, Bob is survived by his sister Doris Chasey of Prescott, Arizona; children Kelly (Mark) Sifferman, Kathryn Allen, and Thomas (Kathryn) Allen; Karolyn's children, Daniel (Barbara) Weber, Kristen (Allen) Obrinsky, Heather Weber and Michael Weber; 14 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at the Valley Field Riding & Polo Club, 2530 North 64th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, Saturday May 11 at 2 p.m.
Contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Coronado Home, c/o 1510 East Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Arrangements handled by All Care.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on May 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
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Monique Prehoda

May 21, 2013

Daniel - I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandpa. I know he was very special to you. I hope that you and your family find comfort in the love and memories you have with him. I'm so happy that he was able to meet his first great-grandchild Oliva.

May 20, 2013

Tom,I was sorry to learn that you Dad had passed away. I know how close you were to him, and that you will miss him a lot.
Tony Mason

David Beich

May 11, 2013

I admired Bob for his adventersom spirit... whether he was playing tennis with his daughter, hiking up at Irion Springs, cruising a river in Europe, or white water rafting in the Grand Canyon.... Bob always had a passion for life...."living each day to the fullest" a passion that should be admired and imitated by many!!!....Enjoy life's greatest adventure Bob....you will be missed.

Doris Weiss

May 9, 2013

I never knew Bob well, but I discovered his greatness of warmth and giving during the most stressful time of my life. He went out of his way to provide help for my daughter and me during that time. This gesture will always be appreciated.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss.

Sincerely, Doris Weiss

Katy O'Grady-Pyne

May 7, 2013

Thinking of all of you with the passing of Uncle Bob. I always loved his big smile and booming voice. I hope your memories bring you comfort.

Betsy & Tom & Clara & Kinney Baker

May 5, 2013

May light perpetual shine upon him. The world is just a wee bit smaller without his large generous personality here. The gathering up yonder is filling up with the amazing Iron Springers...quite a Top Rock if you will. Much love to all of the Allens in this time.

Betsy Baker

May 5, 2013

May light perpetual shine upon this glorious man. My memories are strong and I send warm hugs to all the Allens in this difficult time. The gathering up yonder just gets filled with more and more of the greatest humans.

May 5, 2013

So Sorry To Hear About The Loss oF Your Husband And Father-he Was A Great Guy-remember Him Fondly From Iron Springs,Keeping You All In My Prayers And Thoughts.
Wyatt Wilson

posey nash

May 5, 2013

Longest legs on Top Rock!
our kindest to you,
Posey and John

Randee & Will Campbell

May 5, 2013

Kelly,
I am very sorry to hear about your Father's passing. I just want you to know that Will and I have you in our thoughts and send our deepest sympathies.

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