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Harold Allen Obituary

Harold A. ALLEN Jr.

Born December 29, 1926, in Tacoma, WA, Harold "Hal" Allen, 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6th, 2012, at his home in Lakewood, WA, surrounded by his family.

For all who knew Harold, they knew that his family always came first. He was a loyal and lifelong friend to so many. His passions included spending time with his extended family and friends, boating South Puget Sound and San Juan Islands, tailgating at Husky football games, and enjoying time at his home in Palm Desert. Active in the community, Harold held several board positions including two term President of Tacoma-Pierce Chamber of Commerce

(serving as Armed Forces Chairman also), Director, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce,

Lakewold Gardens, Charles Wright Academy, to name a few.

After graduating from Taft School (Watertown, CT) and attending Stanford University, Harold enlisted in the US Navy for service in World War II. At age 21, after his father's untimely death, Harold took over the family real estate business, Harold Allen Company Realtors, in Tacoma. Harold's distinguished real estate career spanned 60 years, holding several prominent positions and earning industry accolades, always with a sense of humility and strong leadership. He was known for his hard work, tenacity, and unwavering integrity, evidenced in his early and lifetime achievements. At 28, Harold was appointed State

of Washington's Real Estate Commissioner, the youngest Commissioner in state history. Following in his father's footsteps, he was President of Washington Association of Realtors. He was two-term President, Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors, and two-term Director, National Association of Realtors, and Chairman, Mayor's Armed Forces Committee. At 72, he earned the Realtor Emeritus Award, in recognition of 50 years as a Realtor, and 10 years later was recognized for 60 years of distinguished service by Tacoma-Pierce County Association of Realtors. At 81, Harold retired his license, but continued his interest in real estate. His son-in-law, Mike Larson, is President of Harold Allen Company Realtors today.

Harold is survived by his four children, Mary Jane Stackpole (Steve), Dec Allen, Maggie Mack (Carter), and Beco Larson (Mike) and his long time treasured companion, Margaret Johnson. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Arthur Allen (Darla), and sister, Martha Lloyd "Sis" Pettichord (Ron). He also leaves behind his eight grandchildren whom he adored, Mack, Charlie, Inga, Samantha, Johnny, Annabel, Sophie and Chase. He was preceded in death by his wife, and mother of his four children, Mary Jane "Squeak" Allen, and his second wife, Kaye Highsmith Allen.

In lieu of flowers and in remembrance of Harold, please consider supporting Tahoma Associates, a non-profit whole person workshop for challenged adults and seniors. Tahoma Associates, 1545 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402, (253) 627-7980, www.tahomaassociates.org.

We welcome Harold's family and friends at a Celebration of Life at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on Saturday, October 13th at 4:30 pm.

Published by The Seattle Times from Oct. 9 to Oct. 10, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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Hal was a great friend and mentor. We will all treasure the times we shared with him and the knowledge he passed on to us. It was good to share with all of you at his celebration of life. A nice tribute.

Gene & Linda Heiser

October 15, 2012

To MJ, Dec, Maggie and Beco and Margaret: I was out of town and am just now reading the news on the passing of dear Hal. I am sorry I was not there to tell you in person how wonderful he was to the Extended Imholt group. Your family and its history is a big part
of our family. Know that you are in our thoughts and may wonderful memories sustain you and the grand kids .

Mandy Candler

October 13, 2012

Sorry to hear about your dad Dec. Will keep your family in our prayers, I know he was very special to you. So sorry. Matt and Lisa Ralston

Lisa and Matt Ralston

October 13, 2012

Hal was a generous teacher, always willing to share his vast knowledge of our business. When I bought my family business he was always there for me when I needed some advice and a friends input. I will truly miss him.

Bridget Upton

October 12, 2012

Hal was a man of deep compassion and integrity. My mother, Marge McCulloch, worked for him for over 40 years and held him in the highest esteem. He gave me my first office job when I was 16, as the Weekend Girl. I will always remember his wonderful support and many kindnesses. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Kai Kushen

October 11, 2012

The community will be at a great loss

Brian Thayer

October 10, 2012

We remember a great friend and colleague. Our condolences to the entire family. Bob and RuthiE Neilan

Bob and RuthiE Neilan

October 9, 2012

Sending my love to all of you. Your Dad was great man and he passed on all of his goodness to all of you. So many shared qualities. Strong genetics in the Allen family. Xoxo Heidi

Heidi Holzhauer

October 9, 2012

Beco, Mike, Mack, Charlie, Inga and the rest of the Allen family, how very so we am for the loss of your father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. He was a very special person who touched many lives. Our prayers are with you all.

Anne and Julie Cumings

October 9, 2012

Hal was a dear friend, always had time to chat and give prudent advice. A civic and business leader who shall be missed.

Dick matzen

October 9, 2012

MJ, Dec, Maggie & Beco, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Dad was one of the best people on this earth that I am grateful to have known. I will never forget the talks we had around the kitchen table and he will not be forgotten. Much love to all of you. Debann

Deb Rowland

October 9, 2012

Thank you for your service and for keeping our Country free

October 9, 2012

We've lost a great friend, ... and a super, American businessman! While his walk became slower, his sharpness of mind never waned. We'll miss him.

Suzy Allan Hurst

October 9, 2012

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