The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Abner Callaway Allen Jr. will be missed by his loving family and the whole Central Oregon community.

Cal passed away on January 13, comforted by his wife and close friends. These words cannot possibly sum up the life of such a beautiful person, but serve rather as a glimpse into, and inspiration for, a life well lived. He loved nature, science, community service, and most of all his family. He believed in people, education, and possibilities. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, curiosity, and altruism.

The best way to honor Cal is to act like him. Cal was raised in Tennessee and Missouri, where he was an altar boy, developed a love of black-eyed peas and grits, and embraced southern hospitality. From there, he attended Cornell University, where he received a master’s degree in chemical engineering, and met Marsha, his wife of 63 years.

He spent his career working for Standard Oil Company of California in the Bay Area. His natural connection with people and devotion to a job well done endeared him to employees as he rose through the ranks of the company, retiring as vice president of supply and distribution. He garnered acclaim not only as a compassionate manager, but also as the engineer who rode his bike to work, belonged to the Sierra Club, and windsurfed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.

After retiring to Sisters, Cal immersed himself in the community. He was the director of Friends of the Library, treasurer of the neighborhood water board, Sisters Kiwanis Club volunteer, organizer of local walking and snowshoeing groups, leader of community bird walks, board member for the Deschutes Land Trust, and most notably cofounder of Sisters Science Club. His infectious enthusiasm got kids excited about physics and adults clamoring to launch Ping-Pong balls from catapults.

His countless contributions to Sisters and surrounding communities continue to benefit all. A celebration of Cal’s life will be held in the spring, date to be determined.

Cal’s wife, two children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren ask that in lieu of flowers, you consider continuing Cal’s passion for protecting local wildlands by supporting The Deschutes Land Trust, www.deschuteslandtrust.org.