10/23/2024
RIP Papa Ray.
It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Ray W. Allen “Papa Ray’s” passing. Please read about some of his incredible life achievements below. Ray W. will be missed by so many.
Ray W. Allen of South Hero, VT passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 20th, 2024. Ray was married to his wife, Pamela Dobson Allen, for 36 years until her passing on December 25th, 2020. Ray and Pam enjoyed flying together in their Cessna 172 airplane, Harley Davidson motorcycle rides along the east coast, and being the warm and welcoming faces to those who visited Allenholm Farm in South Hero.
Ray was a graduate of Lyndon Institute and of The University of Vermont in 1959. Ray continued as a Trustee for UVM for many years and was inducted in the Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983 for his excellence in track and field and cross country. Ray continued his passion for running by completing 25 marathons and being a proud supporter and organizer for the Clarence DeMar 5K yearly in South Hero, VT. Ray also enjoyed his work alongside the UVM Agriculture Extension Program, as well as welcoming the NR1 classes as he and Pam toured Allenholm Farm with UVM students as they learned about farming in South Hero. Through their work with UVM and their dedication to the family’s orchard, Ray lovingly became known as “Papa Ray”, and Pam as “Mama Apple”.
Ray was a man of many trades over his lifetime but most of all, Ray was a proud farmer. Being the fourth generation of Allen’s to own and operate Allenholm Farm, Ray found it is life’s passion to continue the family legacy after purchasing the orchard from his father, Ray R. Allen. Allenholm Farm became home to three more generations in Ray’s lifetime and continued to be Vermont's Oldest Commercial apple orchard. Ray could be found in the pre-dawn hours loading trailers of apples alongside his son and grandson to local grocers, spending hours mowing the orchard, taste testing his farm stores maple creemees, and spending time with his pet donkey, W***y. W***y was adopted in October of 1990 and for 27 years Ray and W***y were known to frequent the petting paddock offering peppermint kisses from the gentle yet stubborn giant of a donkey. When Ray pulled into the farm parking lot, W***y would bray at the sight of seeing Ray’s truck. Ray’s undeniable connection to W***y was seen by thousands over almost three decades. Ray was also famous for his homemade pie crust. Ray and Pam were frequently in the pie room creating the most delicious apple pies, which are now made by his son, Ray C. and his children. Ray proudly sold his pies for many years at the Champlain Valley Fair where he held a seat as a Board Member and was inducted into the Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2017 with his wife Pam, for their commitment and dedication to Vermont’s agriculture.
In the Town of South Hero many knew or met Ray during his decades as Chief of South Hero Rescue. Ray was a founding member of South Hero Rescue in June of 1973 and actively “ran” on the squad for over 40 years with most of those years as Chief. Many knew if they called 911 that Ray would be there.
Ray held countless certifications and achievements in his life. Ray’s motto was to “always keep moving”. Throughout Ray’s life he collected many awards including the 2017 Community Service award from the Lake Champlain Islands Economic Development Corporation and the Thomas Jefferson Award by the National Weather Service. Ray began weather observing and tracking in 1969 and would be found nightly collecting rainfall data. This award was the highest award nationally given to a volunteer cooperative weather observer. Ray also served for decades as a Justice of the Peace and officiated countless weddings including many of his own family members. Ray also served as a town auditor and school board member. In addition, Ray enjoyed being a part of South Hero Players, appearing in many productions and working behind the scenes. He also adored volunteering for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, driving shuttle for events, donating and serving his homemade Papa Ray’s apple pies and maple creemees, and transporting many petting paddock animals to bring smiles to the campers and staff.
Ray W. Allen was born to his parents, Ray R. Allen and Catherine Robinson. He is survived by his son, Ray C. Allen (and late wife Connie) of South Hero. Ray is also survived by his step-daughters, Jennifer Inglis (and husband Wayne Inglis) of Clayville, NY, and Wendy Duval (and husband John Larabee) of Grand Isle, VT. Ray is also survived by his grandchildren, Blake Allen (and wife Macie), Brandon Allen (and his wife Michelle), Andrew Allen, Zachary Allen, Samantha Chagnon (and her husband Thomas Chagnon) of South Hero, Brittany Inglis and Ryan Inglis of Clayville, NY. Ray adored his several great grandchildren; Taylor, Leah, Jake, and Luke Allen, and Charlie, Todd, and Eddie Chagnon. Ray was also very loved by his niece, Dottie Halligan, and extended family members Elizabeth “Buff” Brown and Whitney Lowe (and spouse Shannon and children Charley and Jude).
The family would like to thank Genesis- St. Albans Health Care and Rehabilitation Center in St. Albans for their dedication and care to Ray. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to South Hero Rescue; P.O. box 365, South Hero, VT 05486-0365.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Allenholm Farm on Saturday, November 16th at 1pm for all to join. Apple pie and light refreshments will be served.
