Allen LeRoy Harrison

Allen LeRoy Harrison, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Preston, Idaho on September 19, 2025, with his wife Laurie by his side from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Allen was born June 5, 1942, in Malad, Idaho to Nephi Leigh Harrison and Edna Afton Beckstead Harrison.

Allen was a beautiful human being, having a huge heart and wearing it on his sleeve expressing his emotions openly, always being a wonderful listener, willing to help others, he loved to visit and being a friend to everyone, Allen was loved by all who knew him,

A beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Friend and always Family & Community oriented. He was always working, never idle, focused and very efficient.

Allen enjoyed growing up in Malad, Idaho graduating from Malad High School, active in all sports, student council, FFA, band and making friends. Allen attended the Salt Lake School of Electronics, Allan Hancock college in Santa Maria, CA, California State Polytechnic College and worked as an Electronic Technician on the Minute Man Missile for the Boeing Company in Seattle, WA & Vandenburg A.F.B., CA before graduating from Utah State University as outstanding Sophomore and Senior, with a degree in Landscape Architecture/Environmental Planning

Allen married Esther Wolaver and to this union, Sheri, Chad, Justin, and Shannon were born. They later divorced.

Allen retired as Executive Director of the Bear Lake Regional Commission after serving Bear Lake and Rich Counties, for over 35 years.

Allen met the love of his life Laurie through Dr. Paul Daines (he always took credit for their love story). Allen and Laurie were married in Montpelier, Idaho, February 4, 1994. They combined their two families and took their five children; (Laurie's children) James, Ramona, Miles, and (Allen's children) Shannon and Chad to Disneyland for the honeymoon, everyone bonded instantly.

Allen and Laurie handcrafted a log home in Fish Haven and added Olivia to their family in 1996. They raised their family and enjoyed making many memories and establishing family traditions in this home overlooking Bear Lake.

Allen loved the Old West, being outdoors, chariot racing, riding horses, hunting, fishing, working the land, traveling and had a passion for all animals, patriotism, building things, and was very handy at fixing anything, especially mechanical things - he always seemed to know how everything worked. He loved classic cars and restored them. He loved tinkering in his shop!

Allen was very civic minded and was a huge supporter of the Valley. He was a marriage Officiant and enjoyed bringing people together. He volunteered and served in many capacities over the year, working closely with government officials and legislators. He was instrumental in the building of The National Oregon/ California Trail Center where he served as President for many years and considered the center one of the legacies of his career.

Allen and Laurie worked as a team. They were also involved with the Oregon Trail Rendezvous Pageant and the annual reenactment of the Butch Cassidy bank robbery for over 20 years. At Christmas time they played Mr. & Mrs. Clause, were Room Parents at the elementary school, and you would find them together announcing the Paris Youth Rodeo and the Utah Horse Expo for many years or dancing at an event.

They coached softball together, and Allen had the opportunity to be the assistant coach of Olivia's college softball team in Washington, which was a highlight in his life.

After becoming empty nesters, and moving to Preston, Idaho, Allen had a chance to experience and enjoy a different lifestyle of living on a golf course and having neighbors close by, which he embraced and treasured.

Allen cherished his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with a passion, watching and supporting them in all their activities and sporting events. Amazed at their accomplishments and proud of everyone of them. Allen was absolutely over the moon when his youngest granddaughter was born, and he got to meet Opal and cradle her close.

Allen is survived by his wife of 31 years, Laurie Larsen Harrison; and their six children: Chad (Julie) Harrison of Boise, Idaho, Shannon of Nampa, Idaho, James (Rita) of Paris, Idaho, Ramona (Andrew) Matthews of Montpelier, Idaho, Miles (McKenzie) of Georgetown, Idaho, and Olivia (Robby) Barker of Hilliard, Wyoming. Also, Seventeen grandchildren: Justin, Braydon, Garrett, Luke, Ty, Lauren, Dacie, Kadin, Courtland, Lily, Carver, Coy, Rhen, Brooks, Quinn, Beau, Opal (Jimmers); and two great-grandchildren: Marley and Dean.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Leigh and Afton; his brothers, Bob and Jack; son, Justin LeRoy, and infant daughter, Sheri Lee.

Allen will be dearly missed, "It has been a good ride!"

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in St. Charles, Idaho at the St Charles Chapel at 12:00 p.m. with a family visitation prior to the services from 9:30 a.m. –

11:30 a.m. Interment will be at the Fish Haven cemetery.