Allen Francis Long
Allen Francis Long passed away gently at home in Kirkland on August 21, 2012, after gracefully enduring multiple health challenges. Born in Minneapolis, MN on January 22, 1922. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were present to share his last days. He grew up in Beaulieu, MN and graduated from Mahnomen High School. He attended St. Olaf College and North Dakota State. Enthralled with flight from an early age, Allen plucked turkeys to earn money for flying lessons. At the earliest opportunity he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Initially rejected for being underweight, he passed on his second attempt after eating seven pounds of bananas. A P-38 fighter pilot, he flew 50 missions over Europe during WWII earning five air medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross. After seeing a photo of a fellow pilot’s pretty sister, he finagled a meeting with Catherine (Betty) Nicholson. They were married in Chico, California and together raised three children. Following the war, Allen completed his education at the University of Washington, earning a degree in pharmacy. After Betty’s death, Allen found love again and married Catherine (Kay) Skinner, becoming a father to her children. Allen ran Long’s Federal Drug for many years on Seattle’s Queen Anne Hill before relocating to Kirkland. After retiring, Allen and Kay and their dog Shadow hit the road in their RV traveling widely throughout the United States. After Kay’s death, Allen found companionship with Jackie Carskadden who shared his love of dancing. They were known to practice in the kitchen because it had the best floor in the house. Allen was active in his church and a devoted member of the Queen Anne Masonic Lodge.Predeceased by his parents Frank and Iva Long. He is survived by his sister, Margaret Johnson of Oak Harbor; brother David Long of Mountlake Terrace; children Janet (David) Sieberns of Tacoma and San Jose, CA, Richard Long of Elma, Jan (Brian) Berg of Tacoma, Judy Francis of Littlerock, Michael Tryon (Karen Honz) of Chelan, Jim Tryon (Karin Patterson) of Seattle and Bellingham, Steve (Gretchen) Tryon of Seattle, and Carol Grosely of Marysville. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was dearly loved, and will be missed by all.A memorial service celebrating Allen’s life will take place at Rose Hill Presbyterian in Kirkland on Sept. 8 at 1:00pm. Memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital appreciated.
