Jeffrey Allen

Mar 11, 1956 -

Nov 12, 2023

Longtime Alaskan Jeffrey Allen, 67, passed away peacefully at home after a brief battle with cancer.

Jeff is remembered as a loving and dedicated husband, father, son and loyal friend. He was born in Texas to Donald and Peggy Allen. Two years later his family moved to Florida, where he spent his time playing sports, fishing, snorkeling and sailing.

Jeff graduated high school in 1974 and a week later flew to Seward, Alaska, on a one-way ticket with $200 dollars in his pocket. In Seward, his first jobs were at Kenai Lumber and later at Seward Fisheries. He learned to operate heavy equipment through loading and unloading commercial Alaskan and Russian fishing boats.

Three years later he moved to Anchorage, where he met and married Susan (Wilhour) in 1978. Jeff was a dedicated father to his daughter Lindsay and cherished family time. Jeff worked hard and played hard, and always brought the same work ethic, creativity and dedication to everything he did.

In 1979, Jeff bought his first semitruck and started his own trucking business. He loved truck driving and in summer, he hauled hot asphalt from Kenai to Anchorage and bulk fertilizer from Kenai to Delta Junction. In the winter he hauled oversized oil pipe to Prudhoe Bay on the haul road. After a few years of entrepreneurship, Jeff merged his assets and was one of four founding members to establish Carlile Transportation.

As an owner and Vice President of Operations, Jeff was instrumental in the growth of Carlile Transportation. Jeff's diligence helped build Carlile into the largest trucking and logistics company in the state, with several terminals across the Lower 48. Jeff was dedicated to his employees and was a modest man and not prone to boasting – his gratification came from the pride of a job well done. After 30 years, he retired from Carlile.

Jeff was very involved with Pacific Northern Academy and served on the board for many years. He loved the outdoors and was proud to have participated and finished the 1998 Iron Dog with several of his close friends. Jeff enjoyed scuba diving, ocean kayak fishing, camping, hiking and boating to his cabin at Hewitt Lake. In winter, he traveled with his family to Maui, Florida, Belize, or anywhere there was sun and warm water.

Jeff leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Susan Allen; daughter, Lindsay Allen; sister, Carlyle (Jack) Beamish; nieces, Nicole (Mark) Avella and Katherine Allen; nephew, John (Brittany) Beamish; and many other cousins and friends who loved him dearly.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; and beloved brother, Timothy Allen.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.