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Daniel Allar Obituary
Daniel E. Allar, 46, of Westchester, IL. died Jan. 10, 2009 after a four-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife,
Gwendolyn, nee Garrett, Allar; two children, Garrett and Isabella; his parents,
Michael and Ramona, nee Adkins, Allar; two brothers, Stephen (Chesney) Allar and Robert (Michelle) Allar; and many nieces and nephews. Dan was passionate about his career. He performed with the Chicago Symphony at Symphony Hall and Carnegie Hall. In Chicago, he performed on stage at the Goodman Theater, Chicago Shake-speare, Drury Lane, First Folio, Porchlight and more. His television credits include Prison Break, Early Edition and What About Joan. He also appeared in commercials and films. Visitation on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, DuPage Forest Preserve, Oak Brook, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to The Children of Daniel Allar, c/o CEFCU, P.O. Box 1715, Peoria, IL, 61656.
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Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Allar
Mike Roberts
February 24, 2009
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella,
Dan and I shared an apartment back in the '80s during his UNI days. I have so many good memories of him and have always missed his big voice and story telling. I'm so sorry for your loss
Jane Neumiller-Bustad
January 26, 2009
Gwen and Family,
I'm so shocked and saddened to hear of Dan's passing. We were friends from high school, and I have such fond memories of him. Gwen, you and I knew each other from Speech Team and even though I went to Central, speech competitions always felt like we were hanging out with friends. You and Dan (and the rest of the Woodruff team) were a part of those good memories.
He was a kind and gentle person, and you must have known that more than anyone. I am so *very glad* the two of you found such happiness together, and that he has two children to carry on his name.
I was so pleased to read of his successes in his career - he was a very talented actor and deserved every good thing that came his way.
Even though many years have gone by since that more innocent time, I grieve his passing - the world is a poorer place for his absence.
Blessings to you and your family -
Jill Addy Wright
January 21, 2009
Bob & the entire Allar family, I was very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are prayers are with you.
Anji (Rigg) Phillips
January 19, 2009
I am greatly saddened to know of Dan's passing. My earliest memories of Dan are when he and his friend Jamie used to make my sister and I laugh by telling stories with his big booming voice. His mom watched my sister and I when we were kids at Von Steuben. Later in life I had the pleasure of knowing Dan on the speech circuit. He was such a fun and enigmatic person to be around. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. Dan was a beautiful person.
Alison Vesely-Rice
January 18, 2009
Dear Allar and Garrett Families,
Just wanted to take a moment to sign in here, and thank you all for letting us be a part of your family for the celebrations of Dan's life. You all already know how much he meant to us - how much we loved him as a friend and colleague. He will always be in our hearts.
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella - you are in our hearts as well. As I said to Gwen yesterday, we're just right up the street. We expect to see you at the theatre often and you only have to call if you need us for anything.
Much love and healing to all of you, from your friends -
Alison, David and Hayley
T.J. Seiler
January 18, 2009
Dear Gwen and Family,
I was very sorry to hear about Dan's death. It was announced at Mass this morning at ST Thomas Church in Peoria. He'll be remenbered in my prayers.
Gail Colaianni
January 16, 2009
Dear Gwen, Garrett, and Isabella,
You remain in our thoughts and prayers. We will miss Dan's cheering at the Pinewood Derby although I'm sure he'll still be there! Take some comfort knowing he is at peace.
If you ever need us...just yell.
Ed, Gail and Eddie
Mellody McDonald
January 16, 2009
To the Allar family,
I am so sorry about your loss. I always have fond memories of Dan when looking back at my Bradley years. He was a wonderful teacher, leader, actor, and most importantly friend, I was shocked to hear of his passing. Know that he is at peace and with God. He will always watch over your family.
Verna & Bill Hartmann
January 16, 2009
I want to send warm thoughts and pray for comfort, courage and strength for the Allar family during this sad time. I knew Dan through his parents and enjoyed his performance of "Green Eggs & Ham" at Mossville School. May you find joy and peace as you treasure the memories of your loved one.
Dawn McGee
January 16, 2009
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella,
May you all feel the presence of the Lord as he carries our Dan home to glory. I have only the fondest memories of Dan, he was truly a special human being and will always be remembered. Much Love to you all. Dawn Caole Acheson McGee and family.
Anne Langley
January 16, 2009
Dear Gwen, Garrett & Isabella,
I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Dan on several projects at Drury Lane Oakbrook, in fact I even got to dance with him in "My Fair Lady". My thoughts & prayers are with all of you. He will be missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know him.
Daniel McGowan
January 16, 2009
I was fortunate to work with Dan on a couple of different projects in Peoria. He wore his dedication to his craft, good humor and compassion like a well-loved T-shirt. Even to this day, if I notice a digital clock displaying 11:11, I stand up and stretch my arms to the air for the full minute; its an exercise/meditation I picked up from Dan.
Rest well, Creature.
Charles Brown
January 15, 2009
He brought the joy of life for many, he brought a life of meaning to a few. I am so glad Gwen had the opportunity to share her life with someone so strong, so real, so human.
Scott Kern
January 15, 2009
Among the many memories I have of Dan is him introducing me to The Police back in 1980. For this alone I'll remember him always. He was truely on of the funniest cats I've ever met. I'll miss the gags old friend.
Kristine Shore
January 15, 2009
Gwen:
I was very shocked and sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I don't know if you remember me, but we worked together 10 years ago. You were one of the people I recall being supportive during the time of the passing of my brother.
I had the good fortune to see Dan in a production at the National Jewish Theater. His passing is such a loss. I know from experience that good thoughts from friends and acquaintances will ease your mind a bit.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
The Restrepo family
January 15, 2009
Dear Allar family,
We are deeply sorry to hear of Dan's passing. May the memories of what a wonderful and gifted person he was comfort you at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa (Adkins) Blaich
January 14, 2009
I didn't get the chance to know my cousin Dan very well but he had the best smile that made him stand out and he was so talented and very strong to battle cancer for so long. My love and prayers go out to my family for the loss of such a wonderful man.
William Adkins
January 14, 2009
Dan was a very special young man who came from a very special family. As with so many wonderful people who have passed before us, seemingly way too early in life, I only wish we could have be able to spend more time with Dan. The World will surely be a lesser place without him.
God bless all of the Allar family. Love to all.
Uncle Bill
Todd Keene
January 14, 2009
Dear Allar Family,
I am quite saddened to learn of Dan's passing. He was a remarkably intelligent, humorous, and warm individual. I am blessed to have known him. With deepest condolences.
Bob Borwick
January 14, 2009
When I saw Dan on stage at my future high school, I thought, "THAT is an actor." I always admired him, and years later in 2004 he was gracious enough on short notice to take me to dinner and get me a comp for his show at Chicago Shakes. My admiration for him hadn't waned.
Michael Nanfria
January 14, 2009
I had the good fortune to have done a show with Dan in Chicago. He was a delightful presence. My condolences to his family.
Jeff
January 14, 2009
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella ,
I am thinking of you during this difficult time. Dan will be missed by many!
Ruth Jerome
January 13, 2009
I was so very sorry to hear about Dan's passing. Dan and I went to grade school (Von Steuben) and high school (Woodruff) together. He was always so friendly and kind. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Ruth Vittitoe Jerome
Holly Brown
January 13, 2009
Gwen, I was so taken back when Mom called with the news. We had just earlier wondered how things were going. You, the kids and Dan's family are in our thoughts. Remember the good times. From the other entries it sounds like there will many to remember.
Melissa Carlson
January 13, 2009
"Big Dan" was known thus as it described his sense of humor, his zest for life and the size of his heart. It was an honor to work with him on his last show on this good earth. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Dan Rodden
January 13, 2009
In 1996, I had just moved to Chicago and was cast in Assassins at Appletree Theatre with Dan Allar. It was my first show in Chicago theater and I couldn't have asked for a better theatre experience or a cast of better people...especially Dan. Perhaps it's just me, but I've always felt that guys named Dan tend to have a sort of unspoken bond. I think it was that way with Dan and I as we greeted each other every day. Although we shared the same name, there was never any confusion between the two of us because he was always "Big Dan." Of course, his size was a factor, but his personality and spirit made me think he might have been called so regardless. He was just a guy you could talk to and not worry about being judged or looked down upon. Always helpful onstage and off. I worked with him a few more times over the years and always found him to be giving both professionally and personally. His loss saddens me greatly and makes me sorry that I didn't get the chance or make time to be around him more over the past few years. My heart and thoughts go out to Gwen, Garrett and Isabella. He will be sorely missed by many.
Simone Roos
January 13, 2009
I had the pleasure of working with Dan on a production of Hamlet at First Folio back in 2004. His patience, kindness, easygoing demeanor, & great sense of humor made the experience that much more enjoyable. My deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, & the many who will miss him.
Hollis Resnik
January 13, 2009
to he Allar family: I worked with dan on Court Theatre's production of CHERRY ORCHARD. He was charming , resourceful, a total team player (as he came late into the production) and the whole company was grateful for his presence...my goodness he made me laugh! My condolences to the family....he will be so missed by so many.
Nick, Julia & Morgan Michael
January 13, 2009
We are deeply sorry for the tremendous loss you all must endure. Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. Although we cannot be there physically, know that we are there in thought and spirit. Morgan would like to send her love to Isabella and Garrett and she wishes she could be there for them too.
J. SavaRyan
January 13, 2009
My deepest sympathies go out to the Family and Friends of Dan. As the other entries attest, Dan was a great man both in action and spirit. I was lucky enough to work with Dan a long time ago and then was lucky again to bump into him in Oak Brook a few years ago. He was a vibrant person, a talented actor, and a compassionate human being. He will be missed.
scott seggerman
January 13, 2009
Wow. what a sobering and frozen moment experience it is to read this. Dan Allar, one of absolute nicest and most friendly personalities that ever roamed the halls of Woodruff High School, where I knew him and always found a smile immediately appearing upon my face when I encountered him. He was a big, lovable bear of a young man then and no doubt continued with that flair and fabric throughout his young life. I have not seen or spoken with Dan for over 25 years, but the fond and warm memories of him are quick and easy to recall from those childhood to adolescent days in Peoria. I wish his wife and his children well and pray for their composure and confidence as they live on without him. He was a gem of a person, and I doubt anyone anywhere could have had a contrary opinion. Heaven Bound, no doubt. Scott (Oberlander) Seggerman, WHS 1979
Diane (Kinney) Houlihan
January 13, 2009
I was a classmate of Danny's at Woodruff High School. We were in concert choir and several of the musicals together. Even at that time, he was a huge talent! I have a lot of fond memories of him. Your family has my deepest sympathy.
Stephanie (Decker) Parson
January 13, 2009
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella,
Gwen, I am so sorry to hear about Dan. May god bless you and the children during this difficult time and know that you have family and friends near by if you need us.
Chris Hubbard(Addis)
January 13, 2009
Bob, my deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss. Even though Dan was ahead of us at Woodruff, I do remember him and that he was a great person.
Matt Hancock
January 13, 2009
My condolences go out to the Allar family. I did not know Daniel personally but have had the privledge to get to know Bob and can only assume Dan was of the same high caliber. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melody Brand
January 13, 2009
Gwen, Garrett, and Isabella
Dan will be missed by all. We are so sorry for your loss. Remember that Dan is with God now, and feeling wonderful. Know that we love you and if you need anything we are here for you.
Chris, Jenni and Sami Wickert
January 13, 2009
Gwen, Garrett and Isabella, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan will be missed
Tim Harr
January 13, 2009
To the Allar Family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of Dan. Besides knowing him as Steve and Bob's brother or as a fellow Woodruff Warrior... I worked with Dan at Haberdasher's Dinner Theatre in Peoria several years ago. Your family will be in my prayers.
Bo Cox
January 13, 2009
Gwen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dan will be sorely missed by many.
Charles & Joyce ADKINS
January 13, 2009
Danny gave the world more life than it could handle with his love, which flowed from him. He will surely be missed by all who knew him. May God bless all Dan left behind, especially Gwen and the children, whom he leaves in God's loving hands. Uncle Chuck
Ashley (Adkins) Schoen
January 13, 2009
You are a wonderful person Danny. Always very nice and caring, without a mean bone in your body. You will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family.
Cathy Schultz
January 13, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Jeff Lynn
January 13, 2009
Bob & Steve,
I don't know if you remember me. I worked with you at Cat, Mapelton/Seal Ring.
My condolences go out to you and your brother's family.
I did not know Daniel, but if he was like his brothers he was an amazing man. I looked to the two of you for a lot of advice, Thank you.
My prayers and thoughts are with you in these difficult times.
Jeff Lynn
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