Obituary for Robert Joseph “Joe” Allen Robert Joseph “Joe” Allen, 50, of Fort Collins, beloved father, husband, son, brother, and loyal friend, passed away June 6, 2018, in Rockaway Beach, Ore. , alongside his 17-year-old son, Samuel Vicente Allen. Joe was born May 18, 1968 in Bethany, Mo.
, but grew up in Longmont, Colo. , graduating from Skyline High School. From 1989 to 2016, Joe worked at Safeway where he made many lifelong friends.
He graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in 1993. In 2009 he received his Master of Education in Special Education and accepted the position of ACE (Alternative Cooperative Education) Coordinator at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, teaching vocational and transitional skills to students with special needs. Joe was an extraordinarily caring and dedicated teacher who had a profound positive impact on his students, inspiring many to stay in school and succeed after graduation despite their challenges.
Joe connected with numerous nonprofits and businesses to create internships for his students, giving them real-life work experience and increasing awareness of the ACE Program in the community. In addition, he worked closely with the OtterCares Foundation, earning several grants to provide entrepreneurial opportunities for students within his classroom. Joe was a devoted dad who supported his kids, Sam and Ellie, in all their endeavors and interests, including karate and backpacking with Sam, and piano and horseback riding with Ellie.
Whether it was volleyball at the park, dancing in the kitchen, or playing “Rock Band” in the basement, Joe always knew how to make things fun and get his family laughing. In 2010, Joe met his wife, Hilary, at the Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic while arranging an internship for one of his students. The Cat Rescue later became known among Joe’s students as “the place where Joe rescued his wife”.
They were married in 2013, went on to have countless adventures, and had many more planned for the future. Joe’s greatest joy was spending time with his children, wife, family, and his tightknit group of longtime friends, affectionately known as “The Floppers”. Joe lived life to the fullest and never missed an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature.
He was a gifted athlete and outdoor enthusiast and could often be found mountain biking, golfing, snowboarding, hiking, disc golfing, skateboarding, or relaxing in his personal sanctuary, the hot tub. He loved animals as well as people and relished the opportunity to view a moose, eagle, or whale. Joe was the most compassionate and selfless man one could ever hope to meet, always placing the needs of others above his own.
He will be forever missed by his wife, Hilary Gwynne Allen; daughter, Elyana Jean Beyer-Allen; father, Daniel Allen; mother, Jeanette Allen; brothers, Dan (Robin) Allen and Wesley (Lucinda) Allen; niece Rachelle Allen; nephews Ryan, Rylee, and Zephaniah Allen; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held 2 p.m. July 21 at Avogadro’s Number, 605 S. Mason St., Fort Collins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe Allen’s name to Special Olympics Colorado, or to Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic or Animal House Rescue & Grooming (two animal shelters where Joe and Hilary worked together to provide opportunities for Joe’s students while doing good things for animals).
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