Obituary: Michael (Mike) Bowering Allen, 71

Michael (Mike) Bowering Allen, 71, passed away at home in the presence of loving family.

He was born to Wesley (Wes) Allen and Helen Nelson Allen on March 24, 1947 in Olympia, Washington. He joined older brothers Darrell and Gary. The family moved to Alaska when Mike was a young child.

He retired from the City of Wrangell Department of Public Works after 16 years. Prior to that he ran edger for the AWP mill and also commercial fished.

He married Lucille Lanier in 1970, and they had one child, Michael Bowering Allen, Jr. 

On January 1, 1992 he married Judy Werner and became step-father to her three children Hans, Fawn and Eric.

He was loved by all who knew

him for his generosity, kindness,

honesty and hard work. He always had the coffee pot on and welcomed his many friends who enjoyed visiting. Mike's favorite pastime was tinkering with treasures he found at the dump and making them useful again. He enjoyed passing them on to friends who needed them. He skillfully fabricated everything from engine beds to desk chairs that swiveled in different directions and an adjustable rack for his barbecue pit plus many diesel engines in town have responded to his magic touch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Darrell.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; brother Gary Sr.; son, Mike Jr, daughter-in-law Angela; step-children Hans, Fawn, and Eric; grandchildren Ashleigh, Bryan, David, Chad, Jacob, Andrew, Jared, Nicolas, Johnny and Caroline; great-grandchildren Violet, Greyson and Lucas, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of cards and flowers, donations be made to the Wrangell Mariners' Memorial, P.O. Box 2346, Wrangell, AK 99929.     

A remembrance gathering will be held Saturday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. at The Marine. If you would like bring a dish to share.