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Allan Louis Wirth

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La Serna High School California State University University of California| Berkeley

Allan Wirth Obituary

WIRTH-Allan Louis Wirth, age 49, died suddenly Sunday July 4, 2010. He is survived and profoundly missed by parents: I. Rhoda Nussdorf and Raphael Theodore Nussdorf and brother: Jonathan D. Nussdorf, sister-in law: Mary L. McCormick, niece: Laura M. Nussdorf & nephew: Aaron N. Nussdorf. Allan was born in Charlottesville, Va, July 30, 1960; spent his formative years in Whittier, Ca graduating from La Serna High School then relocating to the East Bay area in 1978. Allan graduated from UC Berkeley in 1983 and was a dedicated lifelong student of the humanities, achieving a profound, in depth command of western philosophy and literature, and fluency in multiple Western & Asian languages. In 1994, he obtained an MS in education and in 1999 an MBA with a special interest in finance from Cal State, Hayward. He found much pleasure and satisfaction teaching for 19 years in the Oakland unified school district. He was an extraordinarily gifted athlete excelling in baseball in his youth and golf during the last 30 years. He was the "go to man" for all things related to road trips across our nation and was a repository for knowing the best drive-in-dives and BBQ joints along any given route. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of baseball going back to the 1930's, was known as "The Hammer" by his friends for his frank assessment and feedback when asked, and of course, we all enjoyed his keen appreciation of Dim Sum, Jazz & foreign films. Family and friends will remember Allan for his brilliant mind, insight, quick wit and mild, kind manner. Allan will be greatly missed. In keeping with the style in which he conducted his life, for those wishing, please make memorial donations to a charity of your choice in Allan's name.

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

Published by Whittier Daily News from Sep. 21 to Sep. 22, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Allan Wirth

15 Entries

Hyman Crippen

September 16, 2021

I really miss Allan. I remember him as a happy teenager, and that is the memory I will always hold.

Hyman Crippen

October 9, 2010

Allan I miss you. I'm saddened that I won't be able able have philosophical discourse with you anymore at your mom's reunions.

I got to know you first through Boy Scout Troop 936, and then as the brother to my best friend, Johnathan. I do not know the details of what most recently may have made you smile, or be sad. But I am sure that you are at peace now and for eternity.

When it is my turn, I look forward to seeing you, yet once again.

My deepest condolences go to your family and friends.

October 1, 2010

My deepest regrets. I wish I had more time to spend with Allan. As brief a time that I did spend with him, it was joyful. He will be remembered in the minds of his many friends. Selma and Ralph Carnow

Lance Carnow

September 27, 2010

Allan - Many fun times during high school. You will be missed, as your time was too short with us. My deepest condolences to the Nussdorf family.

K.C. Coggins

September 27, 2010

Over the past four years, I had the good fortune to see Allan a few times, most recently in March 2010. Prior to 2006, I don't think I had seen Allan for 10-15 years. I am lucky I was able to re-connect.
Whenever I spoke to Allan, I always laughed. He had a very unique outlook on life. Though we lived in different worlds, spending time with Allan was always time well-spent.
I will always have fond memories of Allan. My sincere sympathy to the Nussdorf Family.

Martin Kams

September 24, 2010

Allan, You were a fascinating guy. There are many stories to tell. I first knew you when you came over to my house in your brother's Porche on a Saturday and said, "Want to go for a ride, "Sure", "Want to drive?", "Sure", "Here's where my brother ditched the cops". Then you did something which changed my life forever. "Check this out", you said and popped in Dylan's "Desolation Row". We just listened and you shook your head and laughed. You knew I was had. Thanks for that day.
Remember the fishing trip? "Mr Main is that your fishing kit?" The orange fight? The punch in the stomach on the bus? What was that about?
I wish we had stayed more in contact in the later years but I miss you all the same. It's true that we are all diminished. But this life is only temporary. We will have a La Serna reunion in Heaven.
Take care.

bill bathe

September 22, 2010

Allan- you will be missed my friend. You were always an inspiration and a good friend at La Serna. I remember your smiling face and quick wit and remember the good times that we shared at La Serna. Rest in peace and thank you for allowing us to be in your life and for sharing your wonderful spirit. Rest in peace my friend......
Bill Bathe- class of 1978

John Crews

September 22, 2010

My friendship with Allan, like the man himself, was complex. I was never really sure what to expect next. In the age of disco Allan introduced me to Dylan. But, he could also be just as ridiculous as any other high school kid.

One holiday weekend a group of us went to the River -- never mind the fact that we had no boat and no place to stay. Sometime after midnight Allan and I were driving to the dump to collect more wood pallets -- which we had been burning at our camp site (long story).

Allan got pulled over for speeding and started up some small talk with the cop, undoubtedly hoping to get out of a ticket. He remarked that there were a lot of cops around that weekend, and the officer volunteered that on holidays police officers had to be brought in from other communities to keep things under control. Allan responded: "I know, we've been burning the crates you were shipped in." He got a ticket.

My heart goes out to Allan's family and friends. It may sound cliche, but Allan truly was one of a kind -- beyond definition.

Randy Gruendyke

September 22, 2010

Allan and I were friends through grade school and junior high. We spent countless hours watching, talking and playing sports. I am especially saddened by Allan's death and extend my deepest condolences to his whole family.

Kathy Robinson

September 22, 2010

Goodbye Allan. You will be missed but not forgotten. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones, friends and family. You will all be together again soon, but not today.

Allan Louis Nussdorf Wirth

September 22, 2010

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2010

Mace Turner

September 22, 2010

I have many fond memories of Allan. I have known Allan since Junior High School but we got closer while he was going to Berkley. I still to this day can’t thank him enough for letting me “crash” on his couch for more than a week while I worked on my piece of junk VW Bug. I was trying to get myself back to Chico State after a winter break. He never once asked me for anything in return in fact if memory serves he gave me a care package of some food and supplies when I finally did set out on the road. We grew farther apart as our live evolved but we shared many common friends and I always enjoyed hearing this or that about him over the years.
My deepest condolences go out to his family and many friends.

Mace Turner

September 22, 2010

Jody Smith

September 22, 2010

I am deeply saddened by Allan's death. I first met Allan in high school and was fortunate enough to have spent countless enjoyable hours with Allan. Much of that time in the company of an exceptional group of friends including Rett, KC, Kevin, John, Mace, Ron, Michael and others who had a profound respect for Allan. I deeply regret not continuing my friendship with Allan in later years. My condolences to the Nussdorf's.

Rett Rasmussen

September 22, 2010

I have know Allan since the 4th grade. He was a high school water polo teammate and friend. I am profoundly saddened by his passing. My heartfelt condolences to the Nussdorfs.

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