Robert Emmett 'Bob' Allen, 85

Robert Emmett "Bob" Allen, 85, passed away on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint with Pastor Kenneth Smith of the First Baptist Church officiating. Military honors will be performed by the Marine Corp League. A potluck gathering will follow at the VFW Hall. Inurnment will take place at the Lakeview Cemetery niche wall.

Bob was born in a tent on May 24, 1922, in Louisville, Colo., to Lee and Josephine Allen. When Bob was 9 years old the family moved to Grass Valley, Calif.

Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corp May 21, 1942. He served in the 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division in the South Pacific during World War II.

During leave, Bob visited his family who had moved to Sandpoint. He met Lucille Hadley at the roller skating rink on North Third; they were later married on Sept. 14, 1946.

Bob was a highly skilled draftsman, self-taught engineer, welder, and fabricator. He began his career with Pack River Lumber Co. and was known for designing the logo, "Packy the Beaver." He later owned Allen Machine Shop with his brother Lloyd.

Over the years Bob helped design and construct 26 lumber mills in the Northwest, including the Brand S Lumber Mill, now known as Riley Creek Lumber Co. Bob retired briefly at 65, only to be hired by Lignetics to help on a "short project."

While at Lignetics, Bob would travel to West Virginia to help design and construct their new plant. Fourteen years later he retired a second time at the age of 81.

He was a member of the Marine Corp League, and enjoyed drawing, metal and wood working. He was also a talented artist and cartoonist.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lucille Allen of Sandpoint; a daughter, Kathy and husband Dr. Ken Conger of Bozeman, Mont.; a son, Robert (Peggy Jo) Allen of Sandpoint; two grandchildren, Blair Eveland and Ashley Allen; three brothers, Lloyd (Wilma) Allen of Sandpoint, Bill (Nettie) Allen of Sagle, and Everett (Betty) Allen of Spokane, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Debra Eveland, brother Leroy Allen, and sister Jessie Richards.

Memorial donations may be made to the Marine Corp League, PO Box 1110, Colburn, ID 83865.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements.

Please visit Bob's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.