Allen Bailey

Allen got his angel wings Jan. 15, 2024, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise. He was born to Nina Brander and Hal Lundin on Nov. 13, 1970, at Magic Valley Memorial Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho. Allen was the oldest of five children, with three brothers and one sister later to join the family.

Allen enjoyed going fishing with his grandparents, great-Grandpa and Grandma Caudle, and Grandma Eva Ray. Allen was diagnosed as hearing impaired at age 1. He soon learned sign language and began schooling at the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind in Gooding at age 4. The separation from his mother was difficult but Allen applied himself courageously, while his mother learned sign at College of Southern Idaho.

Allen thrived as a student, graduating from “kindy-garten” and on to higher grades. In his early years he played Little League baseball in Hansen. As Allen grew he enjoyed several sports, played football and basketball in high school. The family then moved to Oregon, and Allen continued to excel. His senior basketball team at the Oregon State School for the Deaf won a championship for the first time in 45 years. He graduated in 1990.

He loved playing on softball teams, horseshoes, darts, pool, poker, and helped on race car pit crews. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and if help was ever needed, Allen would jump in and help. A true peacemaker to family and friends, Allen stepped in to stop confrontations and protect those close to him.

Allen suffered a life-changing stroke in 2012, leaving him half-paralyzed. But he maintained a brave demeanor, spending time with his nieces and nephews, and encouraging them to do their best. He was always a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to his entire circle. He will be missed for his silly sense of humor, his warmth, and tender heart.

He was preceded in death by his father Hal Lundin, stepfather Bill Brander, nephew Austin Lundin, and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother Nina Brander, three brothers, Robbie, Burt and Vernon Lundin; and one sister Ruby Lundin. He also has three step-siblings; Rebecca Moore (Robert), Sarah Jones and Tim Brander (Ashley), as well as numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, many nieces and nephews, and extended family.