Wilman F Allen

W. STEWARTSTOWN – Wilman ‘Bill’ F. Allen, 71, of West Stewartstown, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday evening, Aug. 26, 2024. He was born in West Stewartstown on Feb. 8, 1953, a son to the late Wilman I. and Carlene B. (Leonard) Allen. Bill attended West Side Grammar School until 1968, and then attended Colebrook Academy, where he was an active member of FFA before graduating in 1972. He continued his education at the NH Vocational Technical School in Berlin, earning an associate degree as a machinist in 1974, and later in 2012 he earned another associate degree as a heavy diesel mechanic, with honors. Bill enlisted in the Army and served from 1976 to 1979 as an engineer in the states, and in Germany where he used his skills as a generator mechanic, welder, and machinist. He continued with the Army as a member of the National Guard until 2002, where he served as a driver, artillery mechanic, and Army Combat Medic, retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class. His life and career was multi-faceted. Bill worked at the Beecher Falls Division of Ethan Allen for many years; some time was spent in the sawmill, rough mill, and glue room, but he mostly performed as the chief engineer for the power plant, and in the later years acted as a plumber for the facility. His volunteer activities were his true passion! Bill was an active member of the Beecher Falls Volunteer Fire Department since 1970, holding the rank of captain at the time of his death. He was a hazardous materials technician, and EMT-I, as well as an EMT instructor for 30 years, and known by the BFVFD as the “expert” in operating the pump trucks. He enjoyed working on them in the evenings and would come home still wielding ideas to make them operate more efficiently. He was certified in confined space and collapse rescue, high angle and below grade rescue, and extrication tools. He was instrumental in forming the Beecher Falls Rescue Squad as part of the fire department in the mid-1980s. Bill served his town as a part-time police officer for 20 years, was a Deputy Fire Warden for Stewartstown, and was the town’s water system operator for the precinct since 1985, and was Stewartstown’s Emergency Management director for more than 20 years, as well. Bill enjoyed educating young adults. For many years he helped Robert Burrill at Colebrook Academy in the welding shop, teaching the next generation of welders, and he taught the first aid portion of the OHRV Safety Courses for the state. He was influential in establishing and volunteering as a scout leader for the local Boy Scouts Troop. He took on every activity with 100% effort and pride. He truly appreciated participating in all the fire department activities that required a team effort; poker runs, fireman musters, cookouts and auctions, including the state fire conventions. He took a special shine to the parades because he could include his kids and grandchildren. It was all about the comradery and social atmosphere. Bill, being so outgoing, the only thing he loved and enjoyed more than volunteering and socializing was playing with his grandchildren. He was happiest spoiling them. The young grandchildren’s new holidays were to be met with a giant chocolate bar. Bill leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Donna (Newton) Allen of West Stewartstown; three daughters, Karla Allen of Ctr. Ossipee, N.H. Tracy Davis of Pittsburg, and Bobbi Jo Allen of West Stewartstown; two sisters, Susan Morrisey of Okeechobee, Florida, and Wilma Steinman of Claremont, N.H.; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by a brother, Glenn ‘Butch’ Allen, and a sister, Glenna Gray. As anyone who knew Bill would understand, despite his big personality, loud carrying voice, and ever-outgoing helping hand, he was contradictory and simple in his view of recognition. Bill was specific in his request that there be no public services scheduled at this time. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Bill’s name to the BFVFD Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 326, Beecher Falls, VT 05902. Condolences may be offered online by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook.

Wilman F Allen

February 8, 1953 - August 26, 2024