Paul Allred

Jun 2, 1950 -

Mar 31, 2023

Paul Rodney Allred, 72, was born in Logan, Utah, on June 2, 1950, the oldest of five to James H. and Esther Allred. He passed on March 31, 2023, in Anchorage, Alaska. Paul was raised as a military child living all over the United States and Europe, where he attended school. Paul's family relocated to Idaho in 1962 to be near relatives during the Vietnam War. His father was killed in Vietnam when Paul was 13.

In 1966, Esther married R L "Nick" Nicholson and Paul's outdoor adventures began. Paul fell in love with rafting in Idaho on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. He attended Idaho State University and studied elementary education and political science where he met the love of his life, Sharon Hayes. Paul and Sharon were married in Twin Falls, Idaho, on June 5, 1971. He taught Gifted and Talented students in Idaho and Alaska.

In 1974, they looked to Alaska for adventure.

Paul and Sharon were blessed with their son Eli in1981. Paul and Eli were the best of friends.

Sharon and Paul began their business, Ouzel Expeditions, in 1973 eventually moving to Anchorage in1983 and then to Girdwood, Alaska. They ran a successful outfitting business for over 40 years floating untouched Russian Rivers as well as Alaskan Rivers. His company was the first western river company to float in Kamchatka, Russia, as well as many places in Alaska. They were the "Orvis" Endorsed Fly Fishing Expedition of the year in 2003. Paul was iconic in the float business.

Paul was quick-witted with a entertaining sense of humor. He was a hard worker. Paul was an avid enthusiast of skiing, heliskiing, fishing, hunting, rafting, camping, technology, birdwatching and photography. He made great beer battered halibut, homemade beer and told wonderful stories of his many adventures. Paul was an accomplished river runner who loved negotiating rapids and saved many lives.

Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon Allred; son, Ely Allred; sister-in-law, Pamela Hayes; two sisters, Jamie Olavarria and Jole Voulelis; and brother, James Jeffery Allred, as well as their families.

It's those special ones who leave the biggest footprints on our hearts, and we are fortunate enough to feel those prints forever. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed. Services to be announced at a later date.