Sad News From Michigan

[90M]

Not enough can be said about this great man who has touch so many lives.
I grew up feeling like a true member of family. Don was key person in my racing career, but just last year he loaned us a boat to get my son started in racing. He was one of our greatest promoter of our sport. He will be greatly missed and our prayers go out to the entire Allen Family.

[Dave M]

He will be missed

Godspeed Don Allen SR. May you rest in peace.

Condolences to the family from the Mason's. Sad news indeed.

[BP125V]

he will be missed

Condolences to the entire Allen family.

Much to my regret I did not get to know Don until the last several years or so. One thing that will always stand out in my mind about him is that he was always willing to help. He did not have to help out at region 7 races, especially after driving along way to get there and having so many family members racing, but he always did.

The Pavlick's

Bill, Nancy, Bill III, Wendy, Kai, Karsten, Mike, Cheryl, Mikey, Jared, Will, Ben, Beth, Brian, AJ

[Steve Warnock]

Don Allen Sr.

Well its a cold day in Hell as Don Sr is in promise land.

Minus 19 degees a broken garage door spring and the Van that won't start.

Don mentored me as driver in my early years.

Don mentored me as a Stock VP.

Don mentored me as a member of the APBA Board of Directors.

Don mentored me as a J class Coach.

The father of APBA and many famlies. Yes as stated earlier the God Father of APBA.

The A in APBA stands for American, but it also stands for Allen. As Don was true red, white and blue APBA.

One story:

Grass Lake a few years back, Rachel and Margret were racing JH. Beautiful sunny Sunday. I Have Rachel in tow and the Region 7&6 brain trust have Margret in the form of Tom Kargus, Don Jr, and Don Sr. Standing in the water we were kinda shooting the breeze as the girls had helmets on a visors up. Then out of the blue Rachel says " Margret, I really like your eye linner", Margret " Gees thanks Rachel" Well TK, JR and I are looking at the water and each other thinking, did we just hear what we heard. Then Sr with his famous laugh states, "Well racing has changed for ever now" Then shortly we were pulling the starting ropes to send the girls on their way racing JH. Wow, what a moment!

And it certainly has as the ladies have made their presence known, as they should.

God Speed Don Allen!

Say HI to Mom and Dad for me!

Steve Warnock
Warbs

[trapdoor]

Goodbye Don

Ever since we received the call from Fred, Don and I have been in shock and denial. It is truly hard to believe someone you have known for over 40 yrs. is gone. I remember watching ALL of Don's children grow and most of his grandchildren. Just as he has watched our family grow. He was such a big part of our lives that it will be hard to go to a race or APBA event without him. He was a friend, a competitor, an advisor and a boat race historian. I will always remember one of the last conversations I had with Don. He called me over on the judge's stand in Bay City this past summer after Amanda finished her first 45sst race. He said, "You should be so proud of your daughter. She did a beautiful job." I will cherish that memory along with MANY others forever. His poignant remarks and wisdom will be with us always. We all will be praying for the entire Allen family and keep you in our thoughts.

MaryEllen, Don, Jim, Jess, Chis and Amanda

[42M]

I doubt I would have gotten on plane my first year of racing without the knowledge of "Big Don". Our prayers go out to the Allen family. He will be greatly missed by all.

Ed, Julie, and Stephen

[14-H]

Nationals 2006

2006 Nationals: Don Allen the 3rd won C Stock Hydro.

[Steve Warnock]

One in a Million

Ed,

Picture is worth a thousand words!!!!

Warbs

[L. Allen]

Warbs,
Has an address been posted where to send condolences? Would like to send a card to Laurie and to Donnie.

L.

[L. Allen]

If anyone would like to send condolences:

Laurie Allen
23960 Cedar Ridge
Brownstown, MI 48174

Don and Krysti Allen
808 Arthur St.
Menasha, Wisc., 54952



The Other Laurie Allen

[f8andbethere]

In memory of Don Allen Sr.

If as they say James Brown was the Godfather of Soul, then Don Allen Sr. represented the soul of APBA racing.

No one represented the grass roots “the driver gets the benefit of doubt” spirit of APBA stock outboard racing better than Don Allen.

The stories of his friendship to virtually anyone who had an interest in the sport are legend. His out going personality drew people to him and to the sport.

Don Allen suffered with us; whether it was over a jumped gun, a lost love, or a good friend lost -- we always felt that he was there with us; In our funk over the vagaries of life Don was able to lift our spirits with a few words – one of his great stories – his soulful laugh that seemed antidote enough to whatever ailed us; it echoed through a room like the blare of St. Peter’s horn.

As sad and mournful as we are over our loss of this great friend we should take consolation in the legacy that Don has left behind; there is of course his family – I don’t know -- there are so many Allen’s running around the pits I can not keep track of them – on the race course, helping out in the pits, officiating, inspecting – you name it.

But Don’s legacy is also in his racing family – all of the people around the United States and Canada that he touched in so many ways. Our real tribute to Don is to live our lives in his spirit; every day, in all places – but most specifically at the race course, in commission meetings, and at national meetings.

[mike ross]

Dons family had the funeral arrangements in Trenton on Tuesday night. He had well over 100 people show up. Almost everyone was his boat race family. Many boat racers from current to past got up and gave there last good buys to this great boat race ambassador. He was looked at as many's second father as he mentored so many. His grandchildren even got up and stood tall over tears and memories they had on and of the race coarse. When we left me and my dad looked back and where so glad we had our race boat family to help us through hard times like this. Just remember Don is looking down on us this year during our racing season and making sure we are all safe and following in his foot steps. We love You Don !!!!!!!! Lori, Donny Wendy, and all the grand kids I am so proud of all of you and if you ever need anything just say the word. Your boat racing family is never ending. Mikey

[14-H]

Don's Memorial

Granddaughter, Margret's speech was the best of them. I've never heard the story about the wedged, stuck motor home. I'll never forget it.

Margret: I'm waiting for the text of your speech. Ed Hearn.

[PURPLE HAZE]

I Thought That The Pancake Story Was The Best What A Great Family Jake

[Big Don]

On behalf of our entire family I would like to thank all of you for the kind words about Don.

While we are deeply hurt by the loss of our Dad, Husband, Grandpa, Friend the memories of him will last forever.

Don Jr.