Eight Bells: Harry Allen

Harold ‘Harry’ Allen, age 71, passed away peacefully at home (Deephaven, MN) on September 7, 2021.

Born on October 12, 1949, in Minneapolis, M, he was the third of their six children. He attended Minnetonka High School and Colorado College where he played hockey and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. After graduation, Harry spent two seasons playing hockey in Germany where he formed lifelong friendships.

Harry owned his own business for nearly 40 years and took great pride in the relationships he developed with customers and vendors alike.

Harry had sailing in his blood along with the rest of the Minnetonka Allen family from an early age. He sailed X boats with his brothers and graduated soon after to E Scows. He crewed for his brother Bill when they captured their first E Inland in 1967 and soon followed up with an E National Championship of his own in 1972 and an E Blue Chip title in 1975.

After 20 years of E Scow Sailing, Harry transitioned to A Scows in the 80s and was a mainstay of that fleet for decades.

He encouraged his children to sail and was a strong proponent of women in sailing by supporting US Sailing initiatives for women in the Midwest. He was also a lifelong member and supporter of the Minnetonka Yacht Club and Sailing School, whether in a scow in the summer or an ice boat in the winter.

Whatever the weather, you knew you could find Harry messing about with boats. His booming voice, bushy mustache, adventurous spirit, and endless knowledge of all things history will be missed.

Harry is survived by his wife of 42 years, LeeAnne (Savage); daughters Emily Benz (Brian), Katie Malloy (Kevin), and Mary Graef (James); grandchildren Lucy Benz, Clare Malloy, and Oliver Benz; siblings Judy, Bill (Susie), Katie (Bruce), Richard, and Bob (Cathy); many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

In lieu of flowers, direct memorials to the Cottagewood Community Foundation, Lake Minnetonka Sailing School, or go have some fun with people you love in his honor.

Source: Star Tribune, ILYA