Dr. W. Benson Allen

BEN ALLEN Click here to view a video of Ben's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Dr. Wendell Benson “Ben” Allen, 82, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 4, 2008, at his home of heart failure. He was born December 9, 1925, in Nampa, Idaho, to James Sidney Allen and Eleanora Benson Allen. He grew up and attended schools in Idaho Falls, including O. E. Bell Jr. High School, and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. He also graduated from Colorado A & M with a doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine. An avid athlete, he played on the basketball teams in both high school and college. He married Rosemary Bischoff September 1, 1949, in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They made their home in Idaho Falls, where he worked as a veterinarian and operated the Allen Veterinary Clinic until his retirement in 2005. In 1998, he was voted Idaho Falls “Favorite Veterinarian.” Rosemary died December 28, 2000. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as Bishop of the Idaho Falls 3rd and 9th Wards, as well as Transient Bishop for the area. He also served as President of the Idaho Falls Stake, and in various other callings over the years. For 10 years, he was the Area Director for the LDS Church athletics program. He was an Eagle Scout, hit five 'hole-in-ones' while golfing, and served on the City Golf Advisory Board. Ben loved golf, reading, sports, his faith, and his family. Survivors include: Daughter: Larraine (Jon) Rowberry, Sandy, UT Son: Kenneth Benson Allen, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Wendy Susan (Gary) McNee, Pocatello, ID Daughter: Annalee Allen, Redwood City, CA Son: John Robert (Nina) Allen, Rosamond, CA Daughter: Julie (Tim) Hopkins, Lake Orion, MI Sister: Eleanor Engebretsen, FL 12 Grandchildren & 10 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosemary, a son, David Thomas Allen, a brother, Sid Allen, and a sister, Jean Martin. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 10, 2008, at the Idaho Falls LDS Stake Center (1155 East First Street), with Bishop William Morehead of the Idaho Falls LDS Grandview Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, and Monday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. --------------------------------------------- Condolences Received Online: Roxine Young Hodson roxhod@msn.com My heart goes out to you at this tender time. We love your family so much. We have great memories of your mother and father, in fact, all of you, on 12th Street. Your family were great neighbors and friends there. I have many wonderful memories of hanging out in your backyard and I still think of that house as the Allens' home when I'm visiting my mother. May you find great comfort in knowing that Rosemary and Ben are together again. Elder and Sister Meikle nanameikle@gmail.com We loved and appreciated your dad so much, the whole family is dear to our hearts. We have wonderful memories of him and that wonderful smile he always shared. As a youth, your mother and father helped shape Kent's life for the better, as an adult we enjoyed various stimulating conversations. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Our thought and prayers are with you. Love Kent and Chris Meikle Jolene Herndon I have a lifelong love of animals. Dr Allen and his father were my families 'vet' of choice until they retired. My family, my animals and myself appreciated the Allen Vet Clinic for many years. Dr Allen has been missed and will be missed more now with his passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family at this sad time. Jolene Herndon Gaylen Denning To the family of Dr. Ben Allen, so sorry for your loss. Dr. Ben is a great man, he was a very big and positive influence to me at the golf courses throughout my life, and a great doctor to my dogs. His kindness and positive outlook will be missed. Sincerely, Gaylen Denning Roger Hodges cuthere1@hotmail.com Dear Allen family, As a young boy our family was served by J. S. Allen in the veterinarian needs of the livestock. As a youth, I remember Ben coming on the scene as new veterinarian working with his father in the practice. When the new "hospital" was built on North Yellowstone Highway, it stood alone seeming beyond the edge of town. How times and things changed over the years with the town growing all around it and it seeming the "odd one of the businesses" in a crowded business district. I had infrequent interchange with Ben through the years, but the contacts were always on such a warm and friendly basis, each of us interested in the others’ family, work, church, and well being. It mattered not where we met, he showed interest and we visited together. I thrilled at announcements of children born and news of his callings, accomplishments, and recognitions. It was sad times to learn of Rosemary's health problems and subsequent passing, leaving Ben alone here for a time. It was hard to learn of Ben’s close brush with death and it felt so great when he returned and was so healthy. I was saddened one day to drive "Yellowstone" and see the Hospital gone. "Oh my, has something terrible happened to Ben," I said to myself. A short time later, I was so elated to meet up with him in the temple and find him to still be in good health and especially in good spirits. One night my wife and I met up with him at the Gangplank by the golf course. Seeing he was alone, we asked if we could join him. As we visited, he talked of things from his youth, and proudly talked of family including Rosemary and those involved with The Tabernacle Choir. I am trying to tell you I think Ben Allen is one of the finest to spend time here on earth. I appreciated his great smile, his positive attitude, the interest and encouragement he had for others, his example and service to others. I feel I have lost a great friend. News of his passing has brought tears to my eyes and a pang to my heart. I pray for Heavens Blessings to attend you in this time of separation and in your lives that you will prepare to be reunited as the time comes. Bless you, Roger Hodges Linda Foster Herbst lrfh@msn.com We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Father. We have special memories of him being our Bishop of the 3rd Ward. What a special family you are. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord bless you and comfort you at this time. Bryan and Rachael Engebretsen and tribe bryan.engebretsen@gmail.com To my uncle Ben and his kin, as a nephew, I will always remember, his laugh, his love of animals, and love of golf, and easily remember his love of our Heavenly Father. He was one of a few men I have met, who I always felt the Holy Spirit of the Lord just by walking by or talking with him. Although I have not seen him on over 10 years, he will be an influence for good to me and my family. For all my cousins out there, I wish you peace in knowing what a great man he is. Warm regards and condolences, Bryan and Rachael Engebretsen Max Rose maxoff@hotmail.com My wife and I are very sorry for your loss. I am sorry that I could not be there with you. Dr. Allen was a very fine man–I miss his skills as a vet and a regular “good guy.” Max & Shauna Rose John Atamanczyk karenata@juno.com Our condolences to the family. I well remember Bishop Allen serving as Bishop of the 9th Ward during my youth. He had a great influence on my life in gaining a testimony of the gospel. I greatly appreciate his speaking at the funerals of my younger brother, my mother, and my father. I treasure the last time I spent with Bishop Allen in having a great visit nearly three years ago when we sat at the same table at the family luncheon when my father passed away. He will certainly be missed but is certainly having a great reunion with Rosemary and other faimly members on the other side. John Atamanczyk, Kearns, UT