Francis (Fran, Franny) Allen Died Sept. 18, at Home
Last updated 10/22/2015 at 12:08pm
Francis (Fran, Franny) F. Allen died September 18, 2015 at his home at the Open A Ranch, Lakeview, Oregon.
Fran was born Dec. 29, 1922 at Oakland, CA, the youngest of three children born to Francis F. & Clara (Dooley) Allen.
He graduated from the U. of CA, Berkeley in 1943. He attended midshipman’s school at the U. of Notre Dame & was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the Navy as a captain in 1968, after seven and 1/2 years active duty and serving in the reserves.
He commanded an LCT at Normandy Red Beach on D-Day. He was also on active duty during the Korean Conflict.
He proudly displayed his framed battle flag and banner from his LCT over his desk at the ranch house.
After his WWII service, he returned to California and received his MBA. In San Francisco, he founded the advertising firm which became Allen & Dorward. The firm was founded with agricultural clients and became the largest independent agency in the west. He also founded and ran a manufacturing company, Bermuda Research Corp.
In 1969, Mr. Allen purchased the Mendell Ranch N. of Lakeview, OR. In 1970, he hired Jack Damuth. They became partners in Open A Herefords for twenty-five years. Jack’s son Matt, now runs the Open A Ranch. Matt’s son, Cord, was hired in 2014 to work with his dad.
Mr. Allen sold his ad agency in 1978 and moved to Lakeview to pursue his ranching dream.
He enjoyed backpacking with his four daughters in the high Sierras, hunting with his Brittany Spaniels, fly fishing around the world, skiing and traveling to places like Australia, New Zealand, India, Nepal, China and Europe.
For thirty years, he was a part time resident of Borrego Springs, CA.
Survivors include his wife, Gail, three daughters, Sally Allen, Nancy Allen (Marc Landry) and Lucy Allen (Rob Hellquist); five grandchildren, Chris (Jessica) McConnico, Will McConnico, Sarah McConnico, Lauren Morse and Courtney Morse along with two great grandchildren, Gavin and Savannah McConnico.
He was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Janice McConnico along with his brother and sister.
A family burial will be held at the ranch at a later date.
Donations in Fran’s memory may be made to the Lake County Library Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 44, Lakeview, OR 97630 or to the Borrego Springs Boys and Girls Club, P.O. Box 1051, Borrego Springs, CA 92004.
Ousley Osterman Huffstutter Funeral Chapel has charge of the arrangements.
