I have been away from the computer for a few days and just came across this post late last night.  I was so shocked I called Dan McEntee around 11:30 pm praying it was a mistake.  Allen and I emailed almost daily, talked on the phone weekly if not several times a week.  He has stayed in our home, shared many memories and special times, more than I could mention.  He had a special relationship with our son Ben, he truly loved him.  He was family to us, probably closer to us in many ways.  He was a like a Dad to me.  We spent many evening talking about life and some of the things we were working through.    I just spoke with him just before Christmas and as usual he was going 100 mph with travel, substitute teaching, working with the Patton Street Pirates, and builds.  I think Bob Hunt put it best when he wrote Allen was as close to an angel on earth he has ever met.  Anyone who ever had the blessing to meet Allen always came away the better for it.  We were truly blessed with a great friendship and it all started ( in 1993) when I called him after reading his profile Mustang article in FM.  In the years since he has answered more questions than I could count (many of them more than once) and was always patient and teaching.   My family and I are truly heart broken and will keep Mrs. Kathy in our prayers.  Allen we love you and will see you again when we reach that shore.  Rest in Peace, I know God welcomed you home with job well done.

James, Beth and Ben

Yesterday Gary Hajek and I went to the funeral home To pay our last respects and say good by to a old friend. Jim Lynch and Charles Reeves along with their wives we present. So Stunt Hangar said its last goodbye. It was very touching to see his airplane and slide show. He had touched many lives many kids from his class had shown up.

The Paducah contest will go on in his memory with Charles Reeves at the helm. However Charley will need some help. This is and lets hope to continue a great contest.

I am not sure anyone yet realizes the hole this will leave in the control line community.

Today he will be laid to rest. Tight lines..

Thank you for the update Sparky. It is most certainly a HUGE loss for our modeling family. I know that every member of my family is grieving. Allen was very special to us, as he was to so many others.

Derek

Amen, Bob.

I can only second an earlier suggestion that those who can do so visit Allen's facebook page and read the outpouring of love, memories and expressions of heartfelt regret from his many former music students in band and chorus in Golconda.  This was a man who made lifelong impressions on young minds which made them better adults...heck...just plain better people.  People more than willing to wear their hearts on their sleeves and say thanks to a special guy.  Reading their thoughts about Allen has brought tears to my eyes several times today.

There are going to be a lot of toy airplane get togethers in our collective futures that just won't quite be the same.

Ted Fancher

This is a beautiful sentiment of a life well lived.  Rest in peace Mr. Brickhaus.

2013 Nats