Peter Williams Allen

Peter Williams Allen March 8, 1925 - December 24, 2005 A native son of Palo Alto, Peter lived in the home he loved, that his father built. He ran to Walter Hays Elementary School across wheat fields and Japanese gardens. He was greatly encouraged by and developed his love of sports with the help of the coach and principal at Jordan. Peter was a member of the Palo Alto High School 1942 State Championship Basketball team. Like so many others upon graduation, he joined the armed services, enlisting in the Army Air Corp. After flight school, he was assigned to pilot a B-24 Liberator in the South Pacific. He never lost his love of flying and would later delight his children, flying them over the bay area skies. Following the war he graduated from Stanford University and went on to work at GMAC in San Francisco until his retirement nearly 40 years later. In 1954 Peter met and married his true love Patricia Williams and they settled in Palo Alto where they raised their family. Peter had many joys in life including Lake Tahoe's North Shore, fishing and camping in the Sierras, Stanford University Athletics, and of course tailgates at the Big Game with family and friends. He was a member of Stanford Golf Club for 40 years. Peter also enjoyed sitting beneath the wisteria canopy soaking up the sunshine on the font porch of his family home. He was an intellectual and an avid reader who loved music and family get-togethers. Peter treasured his wife of 52 years, Patricia Allen and his three children and their spouses, Peter Jr. and Trish Allen of Ross, Linda and John Bader of Palo Alto, and Steven and Patty Allen of Saratoga. Peter also took great delight in each of his grandchildren, Scott, Austin, Brent, Brett, Ryan and Royce. Peter had a long and wonderful life. Until we meet again, we will all carry your memory in our hearts. We love and miss you Peter. A family graveside service was held at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto on January 3rd. A memorial donation may be made to the Palo Alto Family YMCA.