Karen Carter
It’s been a little over a month and I’m still trying to wrap my head around the loss of Allen. I haven’t been able to come up with words that would even begin to explain how much he meant to me. He was a rare soul and deeply missed every day. I feel fortunate that our paths crossed professionally and I had the opportunity to work with him. More fortunately, I treasure that he was my friend. As many have said, Allen made a lasting impression on me, too. Despite his “brusk” (running joke) exterior, he had a heart of gold!As I have reflected this past month, the thought that keeps coming to the forefront of my mind, is that no matter what often-critical business we had to discuss, he would always stop me and ask how my daughter was doing first. He knew she struggles in math a bit. Being such a numbers-guy, I always found it intriguing that he would scold me for being too hard on her if she was making an average grade. In fact, the very last email I ever received from him was in regards to her current grade and he simply said, “That is a great number. Be proud !!!!”.Allen, I know you are listening and watching over your cherished family and friends. I know you are proud and I will try continue to remember and foster your caring legacy in all that I do. Thank you for being my friend.