Richard M. Allen

Richard M. Allen July 10, 1941 - September 10, 2017

MINIDOKA- Richard M. Allen, 76, passed away September 10, 2017, in Rupert, Idaho, from complications associated with his courageous battle against a heart condition and chronic kidney disease.

Richard was born July 10, 1941, in Burley, Idaho, to Melvin Allen and Lillian Haak. In 1961, he married Lidia Illene Trevino and from that union two children were born. They made their first home in Rupert and later moved to a farm East of Minidoka known as "Mainline Ranch". The family resided there until 1973 when they moved to a small farm on Highway 24, near Minidoka, which was Richard's home until his death.

As one of eight children who lost their father early in their lives, there was plenty of hardship and hard work for Richard growing up. His education did not come from books and he did not earn a single diploma or degree, but the education he received on the farm was more valuable and useful than much of the education people strive for today. There wasn't much of anything he couldn't fix, fabricate or weld. In his lifetime, he saw it all; from the use of horses to put up hay to today's high-tech farm equipment. He has likely tilled, planted and harvested more of the earth than most.

Those who knew Richard would often comment on his work ethic and his commitment to his employers. He worked and managed farms for Morgan and Shillington, including "Monogram" farm, just north of Minidoka, for many years. He later worked several more years for Patterson Farms. Later in his life he worked part-time for Blincoe Farms, as well as for some of his neighbors, including Craig Hepworth and John Hansen. His favorite farm, however, was the small one he owned which he meticulously maintained and which often produced some of the best crops in Minidoka County. If you were a noxious weed on Richard's farm, or any farm he managed, your average lifespan was typically very short.

Although he worked long and hard, his first love was his family. He provided well for them and he grew to be a valiant and committed caregiver to his wife, Lidia, who is currently suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He provided for her until he could no longer give adequate care, due to his own health challenges. The love and compassion he had for her, as they dealt with this trial, was never greater over the 56 years they were married.

When he took time off from work, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Some of his best hunting trips were with family and friends to the Selway in Idaho to hunt deer and elk. We never tired of the amazing and hilarious stories he often would tell about these trips. His storytelling skills are "legendary" amongst those who knew him best.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lidia; his daughter, Teresa Allen (JR) Trautvetter of Pasco, Washington; his son Steve (Michelle) Allen of Sammamish, Washington; and by two grand-daughters, Shay Allen and Chelsea Trautvetter (Howard) Graber. He is also survived by his six sisters, Donna (Dale) Mendenhall, Luella Allen, Virginia (Keith) Bryan, Carol (John) Campbell, Jane (Merlin) Smedley and Judy (John-deceased) Martindale, and his sister-in-law, Barbara (Gerald-deceased) Allen.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gerald.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing on Friday evening, September 15th, from 7:00-9:00pm at Hansen Mortuary in Rupert, Idaho. A graveside service will be held Saturday morning, September 16th, beginning at 11:00am at the Rupert Cemetery, with Bishop Sam Crane of the Acequia First Ward officiating.

We would like to thank the many family, friends, neighbors, Acequia Ward members and caregivers who helped Richard and Lidia during their trials. Our hearts are full as we remember your goodness and your service. Richard was quick to offer his help to someone in need, but was not always willing to accept that same help from others. Your persistence made an impact on his life and that of his family's.

Funeral Service Date of Service: Sep. 16, 2017