Richard ‘Dick’ Havely Allen

Richard was born on Feb. 3, 1938 in Blacksburg, Va., son of the late Pearl and Ida (Dowdy) Allen. He spent some of his childhood living with grandparents in both North Carolina and Mississippi, where he developed a love for the game of football at an early age in the stands of Mississippi State football games, selling popcorn and Coca-Cola on Saturday afternoons.

Entering high school, “Dick” moved to Clawson, Mich., with his sister, Carolyn and mother, Ida, who found work in the automobile industry. In high school, “Dick” was involved in a variety of clubs, including Debate and Forensics.

His passion was athletics. He received several Oakland County and State honors as a three sport standout excelling in football, basketball and track.

After graduating from Clawson High School in 1956 he went on to Northern Michigan University, where he was recruited for football and track. Dick was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, reflecting his success and achievements as a scholar athlete. Dick earned his bachelor’s degree from NMU with a major in speech and English, springboarding his career in public education.

While attending college at NMU, he met and fell in love with Shirley Ann Wales. They were happily married for 63 years, before Shirley preceded him in death on Christmas day in 2022.

After college, Richard and Shirley had a short stint in the lower peninsula, teaching and completing their master’s degrees, but soon returned to Iron Mountain to raise their three children and be closer to family. They landed on the north side of Woodward Avenue, rooting for the Mountaineers, where Richard had a long and successful career as a teacher, coach, principal and for his last 15 years, superintendent in the Iron Mountain School System.

Richard’s longstanding career at IMHS had a remarkable impact serving as a mentor, coach, friend and colleague to hundreds of students and staff that walked the halls.

It would be remiss to not mention some of Richard’s favorite pastimes outside his professional career. He was a member of the Pine Grove Country Club for nearly 60 years and enjoyed golfing with his same Wednesday foursome for the majority of that time. Dick loved spending time at the cabin on Sundog Lake and attending activities of his three children. Although his children donned the black and gold, he eventually went on to cheer for the Flivvers as his beloved grandchildren took to the courts and fields.

In retirement, Richard and Shirley enjoyed traveling, hosting family meals, spending time with their grandchildren, and hanging out at camp as much as possible. They especially enjoyed taking an evening cruise on the pontoon boat, or a spin on the Mule.

Richard is survived by his sisters, Carolyn Carman and Cynthia Demontigny; his children, Craig (Trina) Allen of Kingsford and Lynne (Cory) Pottebaum of Salida, Colo.; and his grandchildren, Jacob (Maressa) Allen, Hannah (Demetri) Kostakis, Olivia Allen, Emma Allen, and Henry Pottebaum; and great-grandson, Theodore Richard Kostakis.

In addition to his parents and beloved wife, Shirley, Richard was also preceded in death by his son, Scott Allen; brothers Jack and Howard Allen; and brother-in-law, Tracy Wales.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain, with a service to follow at 1 p.m. The Rev. Stephen Cowen will officiate.

Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Dick’s memory.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of Richard “Dick” Allen online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.