Andrew William Allen

Andrew Andy William Allen WA6YTS - Silent Key Andy returned to his heavenly home on Tuesday, 8 November 2011. Born 26 March 1945 to Raymond Louis Allen and Phyllis Angela (Peterson) Allen in Palo Alto, California. Raised in nearby Menlo Park, he attended Menlo Atherton High School, graduating in 1963. Throughout his school years, he enjoyed the great friendship of Dan Morris, and Joe Pearson. Rather than waiting to be drafted during the Vietnam Conflict, he chose to enlist in the United States Army. He completed basic training and eventually trained as a communications technician. He chose this job because of his life-long love for Amateur Radio, a skill he learned from his father. While stationed in Germany, he attained the rank of Sargent with his mastery of radio operations. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he married, Joyce JoAnne Wilton of Wayne City Illinois on 30 September 1967. Returning to his home in Menlo Park, they moved next-door to his parent s home. Andy gained more interest in the strong faith of his childhood friend, Dan, and soon joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He remained faithful throughout his life. After a divorce, he was asked to work as the Technical Director for the Oakland Temple Pageant, and met Carol Elizabeth Gill. They were married for eternity in the Oakland California Temple on 2 October 1976. Andy enjoyed participating in various Amateur Radio clubs and working as a local leader for the Boy Scouts in both Union City and Hollister, California. As a long-time volunteer with Disaster Relief Services of the American Red Cross, Andy often helped people in desperate situations find loved ones and assistance. During the 1985 Mexico City earthquake, it was a great honor for him to manage communication between the U S Vice President and Mexico s President to coordinate US aid. Andy and Carol enjoyed their married life while living in Cupertino, Union City, San Juan Bautista and Sacramento, California, and in Kaysville, Utah. His favorite activity was road tripping and camping with his family and Ham Radio pals near Truckee, California. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carol, of West Jordan, Utah; son Raymond, of Riverton, Utah; son Aaron, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; son Norm, of West Jordan, Utah (Each son served honorable, full-time LDS missions) and daughter Kirsta Browne, of West Jordan, Utah. His sister, Carol Henriksen, and nephew Matthew, both of Menlo Park, California, and several grandchildren, ranging in ages from 18 years to 7 days at the time of his death. He was preceded by his parents, and two brothers, James Vincent and Raymond Bruce. Arrangements have been kindly provided by McDougal Funeral Home of Taylorsville. Andy s remains will be returned to California, via road trip, of course! Hobbies:Ham RadioOccupation:Carpenter