Allen C. Eckersley

Allen C. Eckersley "Big Al"

Allen was born on May 11, 1938 in Salt Lake City to Vernon and R. Mickie Eckersley. Allen passed away on November 19, 2009 with his wife, Linda, by his side. Allen married Devona Despain who preceded him in death. He was fortunate enough to find another loving wife in Linda, whom he married on November 11, 1985. They shared 24 wonderful years together.

After working as a service station maintenance technician for 30 years, Allen retired to Mesquite, Nevada and worked at Best Lumber where he made many friends who became his work family. You could often find Allen at the buffet line (especially on fish night), out 4-wheelin with his buddies on Sunday or driving around town in his ever faithful Chevy. In recent months, Allen would get his "exercise" at the Eureka Casino where he carried his nickels around and chatted with friends.

Allen was the epitome of a true family man. He had four children: Debi , Allen Jr., Danny and Donald. He was also Uncle-Dad to Linda's daughters: Sissi (John), Chris (Pat) and Raelyn (Laine). (AKA the Eckersley Bunch) Oh, the times we had together as teenagers... ... lining up the towels, moving the furniture outside and, of course, sitting in the dark after 10 p.m.!

He was the best "Grampy" ever to Destiny, Ashley, Danielle, Courtney, Justin, Lindsey, Corey, Derrick, Jeremy, Austin, Dayne and Dyana who all enjoyed 4-wheelin' with Grampy on his golf cart at family get togethers.

He will be truly missed by his "Brother Bry", Bryan Eckersley, who remained his closest friend throughout life.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karen, his first wife, Dee, and his grandson, Austin. Allen's family would like to extend a wealth of gratitude to Allen's "Hero", Dr. James Kushner who treated him with the utmost care and compassion. He taught our family that Allen was living with cancer, not dying from cancer. Dr. Kushner gave us an additional 13 years with Allen that we would not have had without his care. The family would also like to thank the entire staff of University of Utah SICU who provided excellent, loving care to Allen and his family in his final days.

A celebration of Allen's life will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at Virgin Valley Mortuary at 5:00 pm with visitation from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made in Allen's name to the Huntsman Cancer Institute at www.hunstmancancer.org.