Kenneth Thomas Allen, 45, of Kalkaska passed away Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Kenny was born Apr 27, 1964, in Cadillac, the son of William and Judy (Cooley) Allen. On Jan 25, 1986, he married Gwen Crawford in Kalkaska.
Kenny worked in the oil and gas industry for the last 25 years. He was well known for his never-ending work ethic and his ability to make the impossible reality.
Kenny was often heard saying: "Impossible is only an opinion."
These attributes contributed to the success of his own oilfield trucking company, which he started in 1994.
Everything Kenny did in his life he did with intensity. Whether it be his work, play, or love for Gwen and their kids. There was never anything Kenny did halfway. He believed in living life to the fullest and accepted no limitations.
He twice rode his Harley to Alaska, loved snowmobiling in the backwoods of the UP and wasn't happy unless everyone was covered in mud while riding four-wheelers.
The bigger the challenge, the better. "Go big or go home," Kenny always said.
Ken is survived by his wife and best friend, Gwen; children, Elizabeth of Fairbanks, AK and Duane of Kalkaska; mother Judy Oudman of McBain; siblings, Dan (Shelley) Allen of Cadillac, Sandy (Ken) Wiltzer of Marion, Sue (Roger) Monhead of Kalkaska, Brian (Cassie) Allen of Big Rapids, and Matt (Shannon) Allen of Kalkaska; stepmother, Nancy Allen of Kalkaska; father in law, Bruce Crawford of Kalkaska; sisters in law, Elaine Johnson of Abilene, TX, Denise (Dave) Hannon of Kalkaska and Lynda (Shane) Powell of Abilene, TX; and several nieces and nephews - including three grand nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his father William Allen, step-father Alvin Oudman, nephew Jimmy Merry, mother in law, Ruth Crawford and brother in law, David Tate.
Visitation was held Fri, Dec 18, from 4 to 8 pm at the Calvary Baptist Church in Kalkaska.
Services were held Sat, Dec 19 at 1 pm at the church. Pastor Marc Graham of Calvary Baptist Church, Ypsilanti, officiated the procedings.
