— from Evans Funeral Chapel —
Allen Ray Minnis, 73, of Orcas Island, passed away on May 5, 2015 surrounded by his family. Allen was a well-loved member of the Orcas community known for his kindness, generosity, patience, carpentry skills and love of fishing and hunting.
He was born on March 7, 1942 in Dawn, Missouri to Velma and Lawrence Minnis. In 1962, he married his wife Mary. Allen was drafted in 1967 and served as a carpenter in the 46th Engineer Battalion’s Company B in Vietnam. After his discharge in 1969, he and Mary moved to Orcas Island where they opened Beemer and Minnis Construction Company with Tex Beemer.
Allen retired in 2009. Allen and Mary welcomed son Matthew on Valentine’s Day, 1973. Allen was incredibly close to his son, taking him on adventures from the moment he could walk. It was a friendship that would last for the duration of Allen’s life. Allen’s greatest joy in life was his family. He was a devoted husband to Mary and loved spending time with his son and his three grandchildren, Ashlee, Emma and Katelyn. Known as “Poppy” to family members and “Uncle Al” to his island family, he had a smile for everyone and his kindness touched all those he met.
Allen used to say, “I’ve never met someone who wasn’t a friend.” Allen leaves behind his wife Mary, son Matt and his fiancee Colleen, grandchildren Ashlee, Emma and Katelyn and their mother Amber.
On Saturday, May 16, visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Orcas Island Community Church, followed by a graveside service for family members and friends at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery and then a celebration of life at noon at the American Legion, 793 Crescent Beach Drive. To share memories of Allen, visit www.evanschapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donate to the Orcas Booster Club, PO Box 43, Eastsound, Wash. 98245 or the American Legion, 793 Crescent Beach Drive, Eastsound, Wash. 98245.
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I had the pleasure of working with Al on one or two jobs. A very sweet man with old school integrity. My condolences to Matt and the rest of the family.
Al, was s gentle giant. He loved his family and was a delight to be around.. Always true to his cause and a mentor for us worker folks. Allen is in my opinion, the salt the earth. Thank you Allen for including us in your journey! You will be missed, but we hold you in our thoughts always.