Paul Allen

Paul Franklin Allen, 82, died on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at his home in Billings

Paul was born in Joplin, Mo., on May 6, 1929, to Silas and Hazel Allen. The family soon moved to Giant, Calif., and settled into a home minutes from the Richmond Golf Course. Paul began his career on the course at age 10 as a caddy working under Pat Markovitch and, by age 13, was working behind the pro shop counter. Paul met the love of his life, Bunny (Lila), and the high school sweethearts were married in 1950 in Reno, Nev.

Paul was drafted into the army and served two years in the Korean War. While he was away his first son, Ronald, was born. Upon his return, he became the assistant golf and teaching pro at Richmond Country Club. From there, his career took him to Las Vegas, where he began working at the Desert Inn Country Club for Howard Capps and, in turn, Howard became one of Paul's greatest mentors. During the birth of his daughter Paula, Paul was giving Jack Benny a lesson and Bunny was pleased to receive a dozen roses from Benny. Archie Cochran, from Billings, was vacationing in Las Vegas when he met Paul and recommended him to the board at Highlands golf club for the head pro position.

In 1955, Paul moved his family to Billings and took on the role of head pro at Hilands golf course. Two years later, with the support of the Hiland members, Paul took the head pro position at the newly built Yellowstone Country Club, where he left his legacy as a boss, mentor and friend.

Through the years, Paul and Bunny went on to have three more children: Pam, Howard and Mark. He participated in numerous golf tournaments and greatly helped to grow the sport of golf in Montana.

Paul's greatest gift was his knack for names and the instant relationship that developed because of this. He had the ability to make you feel respected and important, and he genuinely cared about what you had to say. Paul didn't just listen, though; he told stories and gave great advice.

Paul retired in 2004 as head pro from YCC, but still spent most days on the course or in the clubhouse.

He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Bunny; son Ron Allen; daughters Paula (John) Dillon and Pam Allen; grandchildren Chad Michael (Rebecca) Dillon, Jared (Sarah) Dillon, Melissa Dillon, Elizabeth Allen, Thomas Allen, Mimi (Andy) Salonen and Angela Watson; as well as eight great-grandchildren. He has been reunited in heaven with his two sons, Mark and Howard Allen; parents; sister and two brothers.

His family would like to express how wonderful his friends have been through these past few months and thank everyone for their support, humor, love and care during this hard time.

Memorials can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF - Colorado Chapter, 400 S. Colorado Blvd., Suite 840, Denver, CO 80246).

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, at Faith Chapel.

Please share your remembrance with others. After review you memory will be posted to this page and shared with the family.