Richard L. Allen

Richard L. Allen, age 89, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died peacefully on July 2, 2025, following a long illness. He is survived by his wife Sandra of 67 years; daughters Kimberly Gabaldon, Nancy DaCosta, and Krista Allen; grandchildren Damien Gabaldon, Brandon Gabaldon, and Thomas Allen and wife Anya; his sister Darlene Gier; nephew Rick Gier and wife Kay; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents LeRoy and Lula Allen.

Richard was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, in 1936 and moved to Des Moines with his parents when he was a toddler. He remained there throughout his childhood, attending Cattell Elementary School and graduating from East High School in 1954. Richard's dynamic personality, strong athleticism, and insatiable curiosity led him to appreciate time outdoors more than time spent in the classroom. At age 3 years old he climbed onto the roof of the local school building and had to be escorted down by his older sister. Throughout his childhood he enjoyed participating in any kind of sports offered in school. He became interested in track and field at an early age, receiving many awards at cross-country track events.

As a teenager, Richard recognized the value of attaining formal education to improve his long-term economic outlook. He worked hard from age 14 and throughout his college years to realize his goal of graduating from college. Positions included working as a stock boy at M.G. Silver's department store, as a flour sweeper at Inland Mills, and as a supply truck loader and driver at Watson Brothers Transportation. Richard attended the University of Iowa, majoring in business administration and economics while still working to put himself through college. He continued cross-country track and was captain of the university cross-country team. After three years, he met his future wife Sandra and transferred to Drake University to be near her. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Drake.

Richard married Sandra in 1957 and over the next several years welcomed their daughters Kim, Nancy, and Krista. On top of his family responsibilities, Richard worked hard to build a successful career in the insurance industry. He spent many long nights studying at a makeshift cinder block and plywood desk to prepare for the extensive Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter credential examinations. He earned the CPCU designation, considered in the insurance industry to be equivalent to a master's degree. He held various positions including: travelling insurance representative in Des Moines, insurance underwriting manager in Lincoln, Nebraska, and branch manager in Boise, Idaho for Allied Mutual Insurance Company; Senior Vice President of Marketing, Underwriting and Regional Operations at Peerless Insurance Company in Keene, New Hampshire; and President and CEO of The Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company in Providence, Rhode Island, the fifth oldest insurance company in the United States.

Richard's colleagues and bosses recognized his intelligence, fairness, honesty, and unmatched work ethic. He remained an expert, dedicated insurance professional throughout his career. He served on the governing committee of the Rhode Island Joint Reinsurance Association, as a director of both the Rhode Island Insurers Insolvency Fund and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, and following retirement he served as a board member to several insurance companies. He was actively involved in the Women's Center of Rhode Island, a domestic violence organization that provides services and safe housing for women and children. While he worked tremendously hard to ensure the success of the company and its employees, perhaps Richard's colleagues best remember him for being a dynamic, honest, and kind leader.

Richard enjoyed many outdoor activities, including golfing, running, snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and a brief fascination with street motorcycles. He trained for and finished the Idaho Great Potato Marathon in Boise at the age of 42. He enjoyed many sunny days playing golf at the University of New Mexico South golf course. As an avid golfer, he dedicated himself to perfecting his swing and did achieve the holy grail of golf, a hole-in-one, not once but three times. He combined his love of golf and motorcycles one time when a transportation issue arose with the family car; he cautiously motorcycled over to the local golf course with the golf bag strap tightly secured around his shoulder and the golf bag carefully perched on the back of the motorcycle seat. Midwest weather did not curb Richard's enthusiasm for golf, either; he once raced to finish the last two holes of the course before a nearby tornado touched down. Onlookers in the clubhouse were reported to be simultaneously shocked and amused.

Following his 2001 retirement from The Providence, Richard and Sandra relocated to Albuquerque, where he was able to enjoy many holidays, special family gatherings, and cherished times with family and friends. Above all, he loved family get-togethers where he regaled his audience with jokes, funny stories, interesting facts, and charming recitations of poetry, limericks, and excerpts of literary classics from memory. In retirement he was immeasurably important to his young grandson, Thomas, dedicating countless hours to picking him up each day after school, steadfastly encouraging him in his athletic, academic, and musical pursuits, and providing sage advice laced with periodic comic relief.

One of Richard's greatest accomplishments was the tremendous love and dedication he gifted to his family. He had a lifelong love affair with Sandra, often declaring his deep love and remarking on her quick wit and beauty. He steadfastly provided for his family and supported them in good times and bad times. Even in his final days, he maintained his sense of humor, frequently expressed his love for Sandra, joked with his hospice caregivers, and displayed charm, quiet dignity, and courage. Richard's lasting impact will shine through future generations in the principled values he passed on and in the immense love for family that he instilled in us all.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Hospice de la Luz staff who compassionately supported Richard and family through his final months and days.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions be made to a charity of choice.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, August 6th, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at FRENCH-Wyoming. Live stream viewing of the service will be available via the link on this webpage.