Sad News From Michigan

[mike ross]

I just got a call and was told Don Allen SR died today. This is truley a sad day. I know he wasn't feeling well last week as he and Lori where in LA and went home before the meeting started. Don and the F Troop gang got me started in racing and without them I would have been lost. Everyoine say a prayer for the Allen family. They are all quality people and need us to support them in a sad time. I am sure more will be posted. God Keep Good Care of him and keep all of his family safe. Mike

[BROCCOLI]

Don was one of my favorite people in racing, and always one of the first people I sought out at a race. We spent many an hour arguing, teasing or merely trading stories.
My thoughts go out to Lori and family.

Craig Bowman

[ryan_4z]

This is truely a great loss. My condolences go out to the entire Allen family.

[Steve Warnock]

Don Sr

Don Jr Called me about a 1/2 hour ago to tell me the sad news. As soon as I saw Jr's name on my cell, I new it was Don Sr time. Don Jr did memtion the final diagnosis was Lou Gerhrig disease. No cure-YET!

More to come on arragements, Gloria at APBA has already sent a communication out. I'll have something later as I try to compose my emotions!

Warbs

[Dew1us]

OMG!!! This is a real shock for me... Don was one of my boat racing fathers. When I was racing I had spent a lot of time with the Half Fast team and even lived in that motor home for awhile. I can still remember the day when my Dad crashed at Grass Lake Michigan and broke his neck. Don and Lori took me in for the night because I had now where else to go.. My heart goes out to Lori, Don Jr, Donny, Adam, Chris, and everyone else.. I'll let the family know and if you need anything let me know..

[dholt]

This is devastating news. Don Allen, Sr. embodied what boat racing is all about. A gentleman in every sense of the word.

Our prayers to the Allen family.


Team Holt

[racerchic3z]

My sincerest condolences go out to the entire family. He was a huge driving force in the family, and he will be missed. I pray for your family to have strength in this difficult time. We are all here for you.
Stacy

[race4kaos]

To all,

It deeply sadden me to hear this news this morning. Don Allen Sr. moved on from our world ~11:30 AM 2/2. I was fortunate enough to receive a couple of phone calls this morning to keep me informed of his condition. It sounds like his immediate family members were by his side. Don was coherent up until his passing as he refused to take further life supporting assistance.

Don was a father, grandfather, and father-figure to many. He was also like the Godfather of APBA. His family was as dedicated to boat racing as they come. I was very fortunate to know and work with him. He was knowledgeable, generous, and decisive. He shall be remembered for all of his contributions to our beloved sport forever.

At this time, the family has not yet planned a viewing or funeral as they are discussing Don’s wishes. We will keep you posted as things develop. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Laurie and all the Allen family.

Kevin & Kelly Ladd

[Fox]

The Allen's are a staple group of APBA giving much more than they take and their leader will be missed greatly.

Half Fast and God Bless!!!!!


Fox Racing

[Fox]

Just heard back that they will be planning something this week and that final confirmations will be emailed out from APBA.

Thanks,

Jay

[James Aderholdt]

Condolences from the Aderholdt family. Boat racing has lost another member of our family that gave everything he could to the sport. The Allen family will be in our prayers. God Speed

[sponsonhead]

I'm so sorry to hear this. I spoke with Don at Wakefield last summer and had a long, enjoyable conversation with him. He was truly one of a kind, and very passionate about boat racing and APBA.

My condolences and prayers to all of Don's family.

Patrick Gleason
R-19

[Brian10s]

Don Sr was a pillar of the racing family and a father figure to just about everyone in Region 6. He has been one of the main faces in racing since I can remember and his passing is a huge lose to all.

Our condolences and prayers to the entire Allen family. Don will be greatly missed. Words can not possibly express the positive accomplishments Don had on so many people and racing in general.

Williams Racing

[Tom10W]

Dearly Missed

I know may people will talk about the contributions of Don Sr. in APBA. They are endless. I am fortunate to have an APBA do***ent signed by Don when he was president.
My memory is of all of us sitting around and talking. It could have been at a boat race or a family gathering. Don had a great memory and had story after story that we would laugh at for hours. You knew that they were true as he always told the truth.
Don was one of the people in my life that I thought would never get old. He seemed timeless. None of us are so enjoy life and boat racing. I know that’s what Don would have wanted all of us to do….as he did.
To Laurie, Don Jr. and the whole family, Don will be dearly missed.

Tom

[aeh4m]

There are not enough words to express how I feel after hearing about our great loss our close community has had today. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go out to practically my other family. The pain will be unbearable to some and time will only be the healing tool to get over the loss. However, he will be greatly missed and never forgotten, and we are all very blessed to have had Don in our lives.

Mandy Hagerl