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BORN
1941
DIED
2019
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Howard Allen Obituary
May 31, 1941-Feb 21, 2019
California sculptor Howard Wheatley Allen passed away in his Mendocino home after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. Born in San Francisco on May 31, 1941 to Anne Bullard Allen and Charles Howard Allen, "Wheat" Allen was a fifth generation Californian, an active conservationist and a beloved artist. A graduate of Dartmouth and a Navy veteran, Wheat served for 36 years as a counselor for Save the Redwoods League, was active in the Bohemian Club, and created sculptures that became gifts of state for three presidential administrations. He is survived by his wife Rosemary Allen, his sisters Joelle Allen Harris and Susana Allen DeBaker, his daughters Lisa Allen Ortiz and Daphne Allen Mejia and five grandchildren: Israel Mejia, Chloe Ortiz, Truth Ortiz, Peter Mejia and River Mejia.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Allen
Sponsored by Chapel By The Sea.
Alice Y McDniel
February 20, 2023
I still have a sculpture Wheatley did of three male
birds that represent my husband and two sons.
It is on a piece of redwood bark that my youngest son found in Mendocino. I will treasure it always
They died in 1980 in an airplane accident.
Alice McDaniel
November 18, 2021
Thank you for the wonderful memories.
May your family find comfort and peace
after their great loss.
April 8, 2019
I'm very sorry for your loss. May God provide you comfort during this difficult time.
Robin Chase
March 26, 2019
To You Who Have Made Birds All of Your Life
(To Wheatley)
You,
Who have made birds all of your life,
Must know what it feels like to yearn to fly.
How else then could you learn to make weightless wings,
With ease,
From weighted things?
Turn redwood trees to softest down?
Cast feathered promises in bronze,.that songbird sings,
Please wait for me.
I too will soar to my highest highs,
In my time.
I'm just waiting for the slightest breeze
To lift the lightest me
Straight into my brightest skies!
How is it you know birds so well
That you can make your Resting Quail
Trill and tell in quest filled songs
His longings to strum flight.
Come night,
When you nestle down to rest as your days eyes close
Might you still see moonward,
Though inward then,
Past the shores of of before fragrant Rosemary beds,
To where what boyhood driftwood knows.
You loon float,
As a seagull slows,
You turn and migrate forward toward the steep,
The wide,
The narrow-
There all too soo to eagle glide;
Free falling bird of prayer,
Descending dove man cupped in air,
Yet still then only half deep there
Into the vigilant sleep of the most fragile sparrow.
Here, does your mind leave the keep
Of the fingers and the hands of the heavier man behind
To hear the gentle call?
Is here where you know you cn always go
Where you can look up and see the Blue Birds?
Through the hollow marrow of kindest tree trunks?
To emerge in their tall crowns if birch branches
With leaves that sway,
And there flutter forward toward Creation's furthest light
Until you are where you are perched to leap
At the furthest end of the bending when of go?
How else then could you know so perfectly
What grains of precious Wheat to leave,
What grains to cast to wind,
To nurture hungry birds in need of flight
From deepest wood,
And still weave your mate a nest
From hand carved shavings?
For you who have made birds all of your life,
Heaven knows where dreams crumbs lead;
How word by deed youve owned your sky.
Now birds eye views have shown your way;
Where you have found your faith to leap-
Your gift to cross each rarest span;
Land on high church glass window sills,
To see through panes that lift a man
To where the birds of you have flown-
Into the warmth of the home of your Lord,
To fly on toward their daily bread from Jesus.
Robin Chase
Rob Wayne
March 14, 2019
Wheat, i'll always remember you for how open and honest you are. You touched the lives of many and i'm thankful mine as well. Looking forward to seeing you in Heaven! Rest well in Gods hands.
Barbara Wilson
March 5, 2019
Wheatly and I were high school buddies, having grown up in what we thought was the best place in the best of times. We had lots of fun together. He is one of the people who bring a smile to my face when I think of him.
I was always proud to read of his artistic success and feel fortunate to have had him visit with my husband and I many years ago and show us some of his beautiful works.
One of my fondest memories from our 50th high school reunion was dancing with Wheatly - he was just such a great guy! I send my sincere condolences to your family
Barbara Wilson
Kit Mosden
March 3, 2019
My deepest Condolences. Wheat was an amazing artist who will be missed. The last time I saw him he was still sharp and we shared some great memories.
March 3, 2019
It must serve as a great and unequaled comfort to you that your Howard found joy in expressing his passions, in life. You, his family, being the first and best of these. Please accept my compassion for your loss. Psalms 62:7-12.
February 28, 2019
I'm so sorry for your loss. May you find strength and comfort from God's written word and from each other, during this most difficult time. Isaiah 15:8
A. H.
February 28, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
VG
February 26, 2019
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Wheat. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure that fills your heart with love and brings you joy. May you find comfort in Jesus promise of the hope of everlasting life at John 6:40.
Scott & marcia Babcock
February 25, 2019
Wheat,s was a life so well lived. I remember him trying to drive on ice in Hanover ... can,t be safely done. Marcia and I visited Wheat and Rosemary on our honeymoon on our way to Victoria, BC....such gracious hosts!
We were all blessed to have know him!
Scott And Marcia Babcock
Norwell, MA
Chip Turner
February 25, 2019
What a tremendous loss. Wheat was such a great person to look up to when we grew up at Stinson. I remember him helping me carve a very primitive whale that was no bigger than my hand. I was just a kid and he was very patient as I stumbled through the basic moves. He was a good looking guy and my 6 sisters never minded being around him. Those days in the 60s were quite special and Wheat and the entire Allen family were very much a part of it.
I hadn't seen Wheat since we left Stinson but I have proudly followed the magnificent artist he became.
I am sorry for your loss. He was a great guy.
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