Condolences to the Allen Family
It is with deep sorrow that we express our heartfelt sympathies to the Allen Family. Brother David Allen fell asleep in Jesus on 19th March 2018.
Susanna’s memories of her Dad
I always knew this day would come, but secretly I hoped it would be many more years away. I can’t thank you enough for all the things you have done and taught me over the last 28 years. Your passion for life and positive attitude has helped me through many difficult times. I will miss hearing your words of wisdom. I am so glad that 28 years ago when the doctor brought you another girl you were excited even though you all thought that by the third one you would finally get a boy. We were always your precious darlings, and you treated us like princesses.
As we were growing up you spent hours with us teaching us about God and His love. If there ever was a church activity, you and mum made sure we were involved.
We shared a love of sweet foods, especially Mars Bars, and as kids we would always fight over who would go with you to the shops because we knew that you would buy us a special treat. You always made us promise not to tell mum, but as we got older we kind of figured out she probably knew anyway.
I am so thankful for the years you brought us to work with you at the grapes and strawberries. The lessons we learnt in perseverance and doing our best are still so strongly engraved in our lives today. We were so lucky to spend each day together as a family. Lunch times were the best part of the day. Not only did it mean the day would end soon but it was a time where we would sit together as a family. We would sit on the shady side all in a line and eat our sandwiches. After you finished eating you would lay down for a few minutes and put your hat over your eyes. At the end of this mini nap you would always say, “Come on girls, this won’t get the baby a frock.” When decoded this meant that we better get up and get back to work.
After a day’s work we would often go and play tennis or squash. You were very competitive and would never let anyone win. Not even a small little girl who desperately wanted to beat her dad at squash. I only ever came close once to beating you. I am so thankful for these lessons you taught me that if I really wanted to win or achieve something I would need to work for it.
I am so thankful for your value of education. Although your own education was limited due to your circumstances you valued education so highly to send me to good schools and help me achieve the best that I could. I want you to know that whatever I do in life, in the future you have impacted my path and helped me become the person that I am.
When I was 11 mum and Rachel went overseas, and that left me and Josie at home with you. I remember you making the disappointment of not going easier by bribing us into a trip to Dreamworld. We had so much fun that day.
Around this time, we had Michael Stoyko come and stay with us. I think he felt sorry for you not having mum to cook, so he would regularly make a baked dish. We didn’t really like eating this dish, and so you would secretly throw a little bit away each day, so he would think we had eaten some. Both Josie and I thought this was the funniest and struggled to keep a straight face.
Your humour was something that made our lives so enjoyable.
Every Sabbath morning around 7am when we lived in Woombye you would play “I’ll Fly Away” by Jim Reeves so loud on your surround sound it would wake the neighbourhood up. We would wish a little bit inside that we would fly away ourselves to another house, so we could sleep in. Oh, how I would give anything to go back and hear those songs and spend a little extra time together.
Once we grew into young ladies you were always protective of us and who we hung out with. You gave us lots of right advice and guided us in the right path.
We couldn’t have asked for a better dad. You spent all your time, energy and money making us happy. Well, probably a lot of money, if you can imagine taking three girls shopping at the Sunshine Plaza. But we were your precious girls, and you treated us in the most kind and gentlest way.
You taught me to play the violin, and we often enjoyed moments together. Even a few weeks ago we played for the last time together. I will cherish this moment and think about it often. Thank you for the beautiful violin you bought me in your final weeks. I will play this violin and always think of you.
Thank you for being a wonderful father-in-law to my husband and granddad to my child. Gabi loved your company and was really surprised when you said yes, he could marry me.
Tamara will always remember her granddad and how you loved her and spent time with her. Her excitement to visit you and be with you is a reflection on the time, energy and love you bestowed upon her.
So, Dad, although we say goodbye for a short time, just know you have impacted many lives and been such a positive influence on all that have come in contact with you. The many friends and family here today are a testament to your life.
I can’t wait until the resurrection morning when together we will fly away into the clouds of glory to meet our dear Saviour and Lord.
~ Susanna Mandic
