Gary Ross Allen, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on July 2, 2022, at his home in Sandy, Utah.
He was born in Los Angeles, California to Richard M. and Merla Bishop Allen on November 27, 1939.
He grew up in Van Nuys, CA. He received a seminary scholarship and went to BYU and received a Master’s in Education Specialist Degree.
He served 2 ½ years in the Uruguay, South America mission for the LDS Church.
Gary met and married Kathleen Nicholes in 1967 in the Salt Lake Temple. He taught school teaching Spanish and later went on to work as a director of Alternate Education. Some summers he went to California to read meters for the department of water and power for the City of Los Angeles.
Gary refereed high school football, basketball, and baseball games as well as men’s and women’s softball slow and fast pitch recreation leagues.
He is survived by his wife and two children: Robert Troy Allen and Tonya (Steven) Widmer. Also survived by his six grandchildren: Austin, Sydney, Randy, Luke, Brooklyn, and Wyatt. Sisters: Janet Bradford and Nancy Robinson. Brother: Robert Allen.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family offers a special debt of gratitude to all of the caregivers.
A viewing will be held on Monday, July 11, 2022, from 11:00 – 11:45 followed by a graveside funeral at 12:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah.
My heart and prayers are with all of you. It is an unbearable pain. Kathy, you know how much I love and care about you. I will always be here to help when needed. You have joined a group that you never want to be a part of. We will all stick together. Friends and family.
I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Gary's passing. He was a wonderful uncle and will be missed. My deepest condolences.
Dear Kathy, Tonya and Troy and 6 wonderful grandchildren,
I've known Gary and Kathy for the 39 years we have lived in our Alta Hills neighborhood.
When we first moved here, Jennifer and I were the nursery leaders in the Butler 31st Ward Primary (had 19 children in our class), and I enjoyed associating with Kathy and her assignment with the children at Church in those days.
As Gary's Home Teacher and later as his bishop (2014-2019), I always treasured my friendship with Gary and Kathy and keeping up with their two awesome children.
I had the privilege, as their bishop in the Wasatch 2nd Ward, when Kathy asked me of conduct the funeral service of her wonderful mother. Having grandparents from rural central Utah, I appreciated getting to know Kathy's unique Utah heritage.
My childhood years were in the Rose Park neighborhood next to the SLC Airport area where I graduated from West High School in 1969. Gary's stories of teaching at South High always hit close to home for me as well. He taught so very many young people with whom he could relate, having his LA upbringing in the rough that Watts neighborhood. Gary was an amazing teacher and blessed the lives of hundreds of troubled young adults.
I loved hearing Gary's testimony of the restored gospel and particularly his experiences as one of the pioneers for the Lord's work in Uruguay. I know he was a powerful and effective missionary.
May the Comforter attend you as you cope with your loss and prepare for your future as a family unit when you are reunited with Gary in the hereafter. Kathy, your service to Gary over these past years has truly been remarkable! May the Lord bless and comfort you for all your service to him.
With Love,
Elliott Christensen
I remember as a young boy vacationing with my family in California to visit my mothers sister, aunt Merla and uncle Richard, and my cousins. Though I was several years younger, Gary was always so nice and accommodating. He was the best. Then every time I would see him, which wasn’t very often, he was always the same. I remember touring Gary and Kathleen’s newly built home with my brother-in-law (the builder) and Gary was so so complimentary. That was his nature. I’m so sorry I missed his graveside service, but I contracted Covid two days before. My warmest sympathy and regards at his passing. … Bobby, I was looking forward to seeing you again. It’s probably been at least 50 years or more.
My dear friend I just heard about Gary’s passing today. I listened to his sweet service wishing I could have been there. I have always loved both of you. To think we became friends at BYU prior to your marriage. I remember going shopping with you and your mother for baby things when you were pregnant with Troy. I remember our visits when we would go to visit Mikes sister in your ward. Little did we know all of the things we would go through in this life. Mike passed away 6 years ago. I know from this experience that the sadness of watching your sweetheart going down hill will be replaced with all the beautiful memories you have made. Kathy I hope we can reconnect with each other. We have so much to catch up on. Sending my love. Vickie Carter