Monday, February 14, 2022
/public-file/825/Ultra/ae54ccdf-db0b-42cd-bc01-f3e7fefcd0ec.jpg
I have so many fun and fond memories growing up as Allen's little brother. He was always my big brother but as we approached middle age, I found myself referring to him as my "older" brother! After all, he would tell me numerous times later in life that, "Just wait until you get to my age (4 years older than me) and see how your knees ache", or whatever body part that needed some form of medical attention. Sometimes that is about what happened as I approached that age and condition!
It gave me pleasure when brother Al retired and he and June began enjoying their dream lifestyle with their 5th Wheel RV as they traveled extensively around the USA and into Canada and up to Alaska. Allen would send me many photos of their RV campsites along the way, and he always seemed to be enjoying a sunset and a cold beer. That made me very happy for him as he truly deserved to have those times with June.
Allen was immensely proud of his son Jason, and it was the very reason that he and June eventually settled in Pennsylvania on a property just a stone’s throw from Jason and his wife Theresa. I think Allen was proud of the way their son grew into a man and how he lived his life, not surprisingly, much like his father did. I know they had many enjoyable times together, whether they were fishing on a quiet backwater lagoon or when Allen would go off to work with Jason to help him on his job. Did I mentioned they both loved to fish? I suspect those were some of Allen's best times when he was fishing with his son. It seems quite apparent when I look at the many photos of Allen and Jason fishing. Those are pictures of a very satisfied father!
On a cool November 18th in 2006 Allen married Andrea and me at a wonderful resort on the Rogue River in Oregon with many family members present from both sides. We all gathered in the beautiful lodge for the afternoon ceremony. As pastor Unfried began the ceremony he announced that he had only a few things to say prior to us sharing our vows. Holding up in front of him what appeared to be a single sheet of paper in his hands he fiddled with it a bit and a long roll of paper streamed down to the floor, implying that was his speech! As it turned out Allen did only have a few thoughts to share with us, however, but it sure got a big laugh from everyone present. It was classic Allen Unfried and his personal nature of wanting to make people laugh and feel good.
I will deeply miss my “big” brother Allen and not being able to pick up the phone to catch up with one another. He will forever be in my thoughts as I move forward in my life, and I am comforted knowing that those thoughts will make me smile as I recall what a very special person he was to me. Thank you brother for all you meant to me and everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. May you rest in peace for eternity and be there for me when I am called to the hereafter.
Corey Unfried
