Gerald G. Allen
"Jerry"
Gerald (Jerry) Gordon Allen, 88, died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at the Holladay Healthcare Center in Holladay, Utah, from natural causes incident to age. Jerry was born on May 1, 1928, and raised in Salt Lake City, the son of Palmer and Evelyn (Hansen) Allen. He was a lifelong resident of Utah.
Jerry leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Carol (Blunt) Allen; his son, Matthew (Tom) Allen; his daughters, Jayne Kelleher and Nancy Warner; his sister, Marilyn Saxton and her husband, Bill; five grandchildren: Erin, Jake, Cassie, Hannah, and Randall; and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Daniel; his sister, Claudia; his brother, Paul; and his beloved dog, Nan.
In his early years, Jerry worked hard at many odd jobs to make his way and became a skilled carpet layer and painter. He served a 2½-year LDS mission to Uruguay, traveling by ship to reach South America, where he developed a keen ability to speak fluent Spanish. Jerry married Carol Blunt, his high school sweetheart, on January 12, 1951, in the Salt Lake Temple, and together they raised four children. 
Jerry chose a career in education because he loved working with kids. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history with a minor in Spanish and political science, and a Master of Science degree in educational psychology, both from the University of Utah. He went on to teach history, English, and Spanish at the middle school level for many years before moving into educational administration where he retired as the Principal of Edison Elementary School. Jerry also served in the Utah National Guard.
Jerry had a passion for Grand Teton National Park and took his family camping there every summer at Colter Bay. Countless memories were created swimming and boating at Jackson and Jenny lakes and hiking or horseback riding to Hidden Falls. Many home-cooked meals were enjoyed around the campfire with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, and Jerry especially enjoyed the park ranger firesides, all of which instilled in his children a steadfast love for camping, wildlife, and the great outdoors. Jerry loved his cabin in Lamb's Canyon and spent many hours fixing it up to make it a true home away from home. He especially enjoyed it during the hot summer months. The annual trek to Disneyland was another family favorite.
While Jerry loved his work with kids and taking summer family vacations, he always made time to help anyone in need. Jerry was the "go-to man" for anybody who needed help with a household project and was quick to volunteer his carpet laying or fix-it skills; he truly lived a life of service to others. Jerry taught his children the value of hard work, altruism, and earning your own way in life. He helped each one of his kids cultivate and refine their unique individual talents including photography, gardening, and horseback riding.
Jerry had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and held many church positions, including Scoutmaster, throughout his long-time membership in the Fortuna Ward (formerly the Holladay 7th Ward). He also served on the LDS General Sunday School Board and traveled extensively throughout South America where he was able to use his Spanish-speaking skills. Jerry had a fondness for the language and the people who speak it, and was able to communicate fluently until his death.
Jerry had a special passion for dogs, which he passed on to his children, and in his later years was never without Nan, his faithful border collie. He devotedly walked her twice a day until he was no longer physically able. Jerry made many close friends (both human and canine) at the dog park, and the family is forever grateful to each one of them for their kindness. A special thanks to Ola Borgejordet and Pam Britt for all of their help with Nan. 
The family would like to thank the staff at Beehive Senior Care - particularly Roberta, Alissa, and Taylor - for all of their compassion and help with our father. We would also like to thank the members of the Fortuna Ward, particularly the Andersons, Duerdens, Fordhams, and Potters; the staff at Holladay Healthcare Center, Peak Specialty Group Home Health Care, and Canyon Home Care & Hospice; and two very dear cousins: Dr. Todd Huffaker and Shannon Blunt Peterson. Todd took special care of his Uncle Jerry and Aunt Carol, and Shannon did the same, performing countless acts of love and kindness for them both. We are eternally grateful to Todd and Shannon and the example they set for us to "do unto others."
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South) in Sandy, Utah. A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the services. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences welcomed at www.larkincares.com.

Published in Salt Lake Tribune from May 26 to May 29, 2016

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