The Rev Dr. Allen C. Blume

The Rev Dr Allen C. Blume (b. 1933) died peacefully at home on June 9, 2010 as a result of prolonged cancer.
Allen was born in Des Plaines, Illinois. Thanks to a mentor, he was encouraged to attend college and was the first in his family to graduate. After finishing Elmhurst College and a graduate degree in theology from Yale, he becamc an ordained Congregational (now United Church of Christ) minister.
At his second parish in Minneapolis, he met a beautiful widow, Phyllis Pugh. with six children, who stole his heart and set him on the path of instant parenthood. They were married 46 years.
His professional career included serving churches in Minneapohs, Squaw Valley, Auburn, California and Reno. His passion for connecting people and communication led him into a leadership role in CFO1 (Camps Furthest Out International), which included years of global traveling.
His love of old cars (especially a ‘32 Packard) encouraged him to become a docent at the Harrah's Car Museum, he mentored young ministers, led the Reno Habitat for Humanity, and was constantly walking his philanthropic talk. He spearheaded a full service 200 resident senior living/nursing community in Auburn. He was a visionary who could make an idea a reality.
Underlying all was his devotion to his inherited family. His children Bill (Kathleen), Jim (Paula), Marylyn (Chuck), Dick (Mary Ellen), Robert (Santoshi) and Dave enriched his life while he tactfully guided them all. He is survived by his brother Vernon (Janet), 18 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and numerous extended family.