Obituary of Charles Ellsworth Allen

Charles Ellsworth Allen, known by his many friends as Charlie, passed away suddenly on March 22, 2014 in Yuma, Arizona at the age of 78 years. Charlie was born on December 11, 1935 in Irma, Alberta to Dub and Margaret Allen. He was the oldest of five children, two boys and three girls. He attended school and graduated from the Irma School before attending normal school through the University of Alberta to eventually attain his Bachelor of Education. While at a dance in Kinsella, Charlie met Sophie Mroczek, originally from Bruce. They went on to be married on February 8, 1958. Together, in Irma, they would raise their two sons, Brent and Bob. Charlie was a definition of the word teacher. Every school day began with a clean shave, fresh dress shirt, white socks and polished shoes. His first job as a teacher was in 1954 at the Willowview School between Irma and Minburn. In 1961, he moved into a teaching position at the Irma School and became the Vice Principal in 1965. During his career, Charlie was well known by both his students and peers and in 1991 he was recognized as one of the twenty teachers to receive the Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award. Charlie was the first of two generations of educators, both Brent and Bob would follow in their dad's footsteps. Although Charlie was known for his dedication to his career, he was equally known for his time spent within the community. Involvement with different sports teams, town council, Elks and the Knights of Columbus were all organizations that benefited from his involvement. Beyond his profession and community involvement, Charlie was known most for his dedication as a husband and his love as a father and grandfather. Charlie will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Eleanor; his sons, Brent (Marie) Allen and Bob (Cammie) Allen; grandchildren, Michael (Erin) Allen, Jeremy (Bailey) Allen and their daughters, Harper and Dylan, Delanie Allen and Kylie Allen; brother, Doug (Linda) Allen; sisters, Flo (Jim) Ganderton, Esther (Albert) Kistenkas, and Carole "Kay" Mitchell; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Charlie was predeceased by his first wife, Sophie in 2009. Although Charlie's presence will be dearly missed, the legacy he created through his value of friends and love of his family will shine through in the lives of those he touched. Charlie was predeceased by his first wife, Sophie in 2009.