One of Our Illustrious Sons March 5, 2010 Former Ogden mayor dies By CARLOS MAYORGA Standard-Examiner staff cmayorga@standard.net OGDEN — Speaking at a 1961 luncheon about the problems affecting Ogden, newly elected Mayor Merle Allen told city leaders that respectful communication between city government and the electorate was a good way to start. Allen, who served as mayor from 1961 to 1965, died from natural causes at his Ogden home Wednesday. He was 91. The former mayor and city councilman not only sought to influence those with whom he served but also those who would come after him, including current Mayor Matthew R. Godfrey, who released a statement after Allen's passing. Allen is related to Godfrey by marriage. "We are mourning the loss of one of Ogden's great men. Mayor Allen was a passionate contributor to Ogden, not only as a mayor and councilman, but also as a civil servant at Weber State and the U.S. Navy. We will remember his remarkable achievements for Allen many years to come," the statement reads. Godfrey also said Allen helped him in his current role. "On a personal level, I will miss his advice and counsel," he wrote. "He was a source of inspiration and strength during the many hard times of my tenure in office." Allen built an extensive resume in public service and education. Toward the end of his second term in 1965, Allen sought to address the problems of urban renewal and growing traffic problems. He was also instrumental in annexing the Shadow Valley area and began the process of expanding Harrison Boulevard. After serving as mayor and councilman, Allen later spent about 15 years in Denver, where he served as associate director for the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Allen maintained close ties to Ogden and be- Dr. Merle Ekins Allen came chairman of the Weber County Democratic Party in 1985 when he and his family moved back. Allen served in World War il and Korea while in the Navy, then began a career at Weber College in 1959 as a profes sor. He also worked as dean .of students at the college and entered the political arena when he ran for city council in 1959. Allen was born in Slaterville but lived in Ogden most of his life. His wife, Dahrl Richards, died two years ago. They were married 69 years. Allen leaves behind six children, 29 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending. SOUTH OGDEN - We lost our beautiful father, on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. He was born February17, 1919, and went through life with the eyes of a rchild and the mind of a scientist. He was forever a survivor, surviving the death of his father at the age of two, the great depression in the direst of circumstances, two wars, two decades of grace and courage surviving cancer and finally, the loss of his sweetheart 2 years ago. He married his "Dolly" July 18, 1939, and loved her passionately every second of his life, and missed her passionately every second since her death. He always sought to do his best: Student Body President at Weber High (1937, the "Streamliners"); Student Body President at Weber College, (1939); U.S. Navy in WW II and the Korean War; Doctor of Education, U of U; Professor and Dean of Students at Weber State; Mayor of Ogden; Director of Higher Ed. for Utah; Ass. Commissioner of Higher Ed. for Colorado. He set the bar high for his children and they all followed in his love of learning achieving doctorate Degrees in Medicine, Law and Psychology. Next to Dahrl, his greatest love and pride was for his family of six children and their spouses, ■ Rick (Karla), Huntsville; Ed (Patricia), Ogden; Lyn (Larry), Grand Junction, CO; Bernie (Susan), Ogden; Rock (Tracy), Ogden; and Jennifer (Jeff), Ogden; his 29 grandchildren and 36 greatgrandchildren! He was a member and teacher in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved best his years of leading the music. He loved Ogden and was a perennial member of the Newcomers Club. He was always grateful to FDR and the Democrats for stabilizing the Country and providing the G.I. Bill and others that helped him climb out of poverty. He never understood those who used the New Deal to reach success and then "wanted to pull the ladder up after them." He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Amelia Allen (Holley), his stepfather, Ezra Holley, sister Edna Evans, and infant daughter Claudette. He is survived amazingly by the three best brothers ever, Leroy Allen (95), Elmer Allen (93) and baby brother, Orvil Holley. Thank you to the great "kids" at Mountain Ridge and the amazing Hospice staff whom we all came to love. His life will be celebrated on Saturday, March 13th at 11 am, Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may call at the mortuary on Friday 'from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 10:45 am. Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd., where Military Honors will be accorded. Send condolences to the family at: www.lindquistmortuary.com 188