CALVIN N. ALLEN

Calvin Neal Allen, age 61, born February 17, 1963, to the late Neal and Bertha Allen, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes, in his home on September 25, 2024.

During his youth, Calvin was introduced to the Warner family through Warner's Dance Hall and became an honorary member of the family and lead security adviser for the establishment.  He also met the love of his life, Juanita (Warner) Tetreault, while she was vocalist for the family band.

He joined the Lowell Fire Department as a rooky in 1993, where he worked and trained flawlessly to become a pristine firefighter.  He has been the Fire Chief since being elected by the members in 2015.  He took this position to heart, and with extreme dedication.  He completely fulfilled his duties as Chief, as well as always being the first one to "jump" ambulance calls and to assist other area departments when needed.  His acts of compassion have been noted numerously by so many recipients, and his direction and commitment to the fire service will be extremely missed.

He worked many years in the construction business before being elected the Lowell Town Road Commissioner in 2016.  His prior work experience enabled him to continuously excel in maintaining and improving road conditions.  He spent numerous hours researching and applying for grants and awards.  This made it possible for drivers to enjoy a more suitable quality of traversing, without additional cost to the Town.  His constant quest for perfection has been appreciated by many.  Adverse weather conditions sent him out, many times at night, so he could locate dangerous situations and repair damages to safe traveling conditions.  He maintained a great rapport with the Administrative and Select Board staff.  Calvin's Road Commissioner shoes will be very difficult to replace.

Calvin had no biological children but had children and grandchildren by choice.  He and Juanita, his partner of 42 years, made a place of love for them.  The children knew him as "Dad" and the grandchildren as "Papa".

Calvin is survived by his Partner, Juanita, and the following children:  Wendy Puryear and husband Corey, and Angela Tetreault.  He is survived by the following grandchildren:  Brandon Tetreault, Trinity Masi, Ellia Puryear and Carson Puryear.  He is also survived by nieces and nephews and the following siblings:  Carol Downing (Martin), Neal Allen, Jr., Rodney Allen, Roland Allen, Paula Nutting, Jerry Allen and honorary little brother Craig Matten. He was preceded in death by his parents: Neal and Bertha Allen, siblings: Linda, Everett, Robert and Mattie, daughter: Amanda Tetreault, and  "Gram":  Julie Warner.

There was no greater example than Calvin for what it is to live with integrity, loyalty, and dependability. He was an endless well of selflessness and dedication to his family and to his community. He would always let you know what he thought, but would listen to your take and support your decisions. He had a personality that was a beautiful mix of gruff sarcasm and deeply tender unwavering love and humor, wrapped up in a smirk and twinkle of the eye.

Funeral Services will take place at the Lowell Fire Department on Saturday, October 5th at 1 o'clock p.m.  There will be dessert snacks, coffee, tea and water available following the service.  Donations of dessert snacks (finger food) would be greatly appreciated.  There will be plates available, but no silverware, hence the request for finger food.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Calvin's memory, would be gratefully accepted by The Lowell Fire Department, at P.O. Box 239, Lowell, Vt. 05847

GRIEF

Grief, I've learned, is really just love.

It's all the love you want to give, but cannot.

All of that unspent love gathers in the corners of your eyes,

the lump in your throat,

and in the hollow part of your chest.

Grief is just love with no place to go.