 |
He was a third generation Oregonian in succession to pioneers arriving over the Oregon Trail in 1847. He was raised on the family farm in Bonners Ferry through the Great Depression. He arrived in Corvallis in 1939 to attend Oregon State College.
He met Suzanne Knupp while working in the kitchen of the Delta Zeta house. The vibrant Suzanne and quiet resolute Ralph were married in 1942 and remained so for 53 years until her death in 1995.
Ralph served in the Army from 1942 until 1946, with final assignment in Europe. He was a living example of what has been called the “greatest generation” that served unselfishly when called upon, and sacrificed so much to defend the freedoms we enjoy today.
He graduated from OSC while working at Heckert’s Hardware store on Fourth Street. After college he started his lifelong vocation as a general contractor. He and Suzanne were soon building homes in Corvallis. He was known for his practical approach, work ethic, competency, integrity, self-sufficiency and reliability.
He was a founding member of the Oregon State Home Builders Association, and longtime Rotarian.
Without a doubt, his favorite roles were as husband and father. His family was the focus of his life. Even though Suzanne’s travels took them all over the world, he always looked forward to coming home.
His son, Terry, died in 2011.
Surviving family includes Terry’s wife, Brigid, and grandsons Patrick and Greg, living in Portland, and son Steve, wife Karen and grandchildren Pamela Fox of Chicago and Scott in Corvallis.
Both sons worked on a daily basis with their father for over 30 years in the family business of construction and property development. Each son acknowledged the greatest satisfaction in their adult working lives was to work, plan, and realize their dreams shared with, encouraged, and supported by their father and mother.
In memory of Ralph and Suzanne Allen, their son and families honor them as we live on sharing their dreams.