Ray Allen Jr. dies at 86
–Ray Allen, Jr. of Paso Robles died at home on his ranch on March 23, 2018, surrounded by his children. He was 86.
Ray Allen, Jr. was born in Idaho during the Great Depression, and raised by hardworking, loving Christian parents. He says he fondly remembers attending a one-room school with his mom for his teacher. Ray Jr and all the kids rode horses to school and to visit each other at neighboring ranches, in all kinds of weather; he says he wanted to be a cowboy from the time he was small. Ray got his wish; he was a working cowboy and horseman for life.
At the age of 14, Ray helped run his older brother’s ranch while that brother was flying fighter planes in Europe during the second World War. After a year of college, Ray volunteered to served his country in the Air Force during the Korean war. It was while home on leave that he met his wife, Marabel “Mike” Clements, to whom he was married for 60 years until her death in 2015.
Ray and Mike worked on ranches throughout Nevada and California during their lifetime, while raising three children and contributing to both the Thoroughbred Industry and the Cattle Industry. In his very accomplished life, Ray always made time to participate in his kid’s sports events- be it rodeo, baseball, softball or basketball. He was absolutely devoted to his wife and children, and later to the grandkids and great grand kids who came along, teaching them all how to ride and how to conduct themselves. He always contributed to his community as well, and never failed to help a neighbor. Throughout his life, Ray modeled selflessness, service, and gratitude. As a life-long Christian believer, Ray always sought to follow the “Golden Rule” as taught by Jesus: “Do to others what you want them to do to you.”
Ray was named 2010 Cattleman of the Year for San Luis Obispo County; 2004 Santa Barbara Fiesta Honorary Vaquero; and he was inducted into the California Mid-State Fair Hall of Fame (along with Mike) in 2016. He was a long-time member of Rancheros Visitadores, and a member of the Creston Community Church.
Ray is survived by his three children Terri Allen Woods, Vicki Allen Penwell (and husband Scott) and Craig Allen (and wife Katy), six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, all who hope to carry on his legacy and follow the example he set for an exemplary life well lived.
A memorial service will be held at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds / Event Center on Friday March 30 at 5:30 p.m. in the Frontier Pavilion, 2198 Riverside Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446 with barbecue to follow hosted by SLO Cattlemen’s Association.
In lieu of flowers, Ray wanted contributions to go to his favorite family charity Mercy In Action (online at: www.mercyinaction.org or by mail to: Mercy In Action, 3018 W. Overland Road, Boise, Idaho 83705)
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