Patriarchal Blessing

November 21, 2018

Dear Benjamin,

I’m just writing this quick note in case you get a chance to read it tomorrow, and to let you know I managed to download your Patriarchal Blessing. I’ll attach a PDF here in case you can print it somehow. I also printed out here and stick it in the mailbox.

It’s been quietly getting back to normal here since you left. I was teasing mom that we eat less. I told her that by the time Joe goes on his mission we won’t even keep food in house.

They let us off of work early today, so somehow Joseph talked us into going bowling. I’m going to go ahead and brag about the 5 straight strikes or spares in a row I got. But I did follow that up with four straight gutter balls, then the rest were splits.

It’s going to be a large turkey bowl tomorrow. I expect about 20 or more family members, plus the neighborhood might come and join in. I’m not as excited about real thanksgiving as I was about our Fakesgiving.

Mom has come down with a cold, and I’m a little afraid I’m starting to feel it in my lungs. Hopefully it won’t be too bad for either of us, more importantly, I hope it incubated after you left, and you can avoid it. I’ll keep that in my prayers.

We’re watching the Jazz v Sacramento, they’re behind but making a run, your brothers are excited.

I’m going to paste Brother Allen’s obituary at the end of this. He was only two years older than me. I’ve been thinking of him a lot, especially when I walk the trail. 

I may also send you a quick photo of my progress on my Y-Wing. Oh, and the poster I did for the Ward party, which I have no intention of attending. You’ll understand when you see the poster.

I love you Benjamin, have a happy and memorable thanksgiving. I’m sure it will mean something more profound to you this year. It will be an interesting contrast to the one we had before you left.

Dad

P.S. The Jazz lost, 8/10 for the season.

P.P.S. Reason #7 to be glad you’re not here: Jacob’s reaction to his 5th gutter ball in a row, Joseph had to finish his frames.

We are heart-broken to write that Robert Lynn Allen, Sr. passed away on Friday, November 16, 2018, doing what he loved – running on the Jordan River Parkway Trail.   

Robert was born on August 23, 1964 as the son to Paul Tad Allen and Cleta Moosman Allen.

Robert was married to the love of his life, his chosen partner, and eternal companion Sherie Olsen Allen in the Salt Lake City Temple. They would have celebrated 33 years on December 6th of this year. Together they raised 7 children, 4 foster children, 5 dogs, 7 cats, numerous fish, hamsters, reptiles and anything else the children brought home.

Robert was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in his Bishopric. He loved his family, his country/politics, BYU, Raiders’ Football, music, chocolate, and anything outdoors. Robert was a collegiate all-around gymnast with world class skill on high-bar and pommel horse. He was known for his Iron Cross and was team captain for BYU his senior year. He was a stuntman for Kevin Bacon in the original Footloose.

As a life-long athlete he enjoyed his morning running and his evening work-outs, green shakes, and dressing-free salad.

He worked as a network engineer for the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day saints.

He was known for his genuine heart and unconditional acceptance of everyone he knew. He was probably best known as a protector of the family (especially his Sherie,) a lover of liberty, and a defender of the faith. His truly lived by his mantra ‘Preside, Provide, Protect.’

He is survived by: His parents (Paul and Cleta Allen) His Wife (Sherie) His children (Charlee, Robert Jr., Nina, Reggie, Tad, Rebekah, and Steven) His Grandbabies (Joshua, Magnus, Lydia, and Atlas) His siblings (Sandy, Chaine, Russ, Troy, and J.B.)

He is preceded in death by his stillborn son Michael.