A graveside memorial service was held for Allen Hart on Friday, May 28, 2021 at the Burns Cemetery. 

A little over 85 years ago Allen was welcomed on Aug. 9, 1935 here in Burns, by his father, Cecil Eldon Hart; his mother, Muriel Adel Choate and his older brother, Ora Eldon Hart.  

It wasn’t long until William Thomas Hart or Bill as we know him; completed the Hart three musketeers. The Hart boys were joined by two very sweet sister’s, Mary Ann Hart Wardell and Marilyn Idica.

Allen attended all his schools here in Burns graduating from Burns Union High School in 1954. He spent his high school years working hard alongside his brothers doing: spring sheep shearing, working the hay fields, and buckarooing. He was as quoted by his brother Eldon “Pretty Good in Basketball and Football”. A school mate attested that “Allen could throw a football further and more accurately than any high school quarterback he had ever seen”.

High School years were pretty busy for Allen but not so busy he didn’t meet the Love of his life, Helen Louise Brown. 

They were married on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 19, 1955. Sixty-five plus years and Helen said “It was love at first sight…I had never seen so many good looking muscles!”

Allen and Helen soon became the proud parents of not one but two successful sons. 

Philip Allen Hart has a very successful career in the finance industry and currently owns a Wealth Management Company in San Francisco.

Mark Irving Hart departed to set-up camp for his dad on Aug. 3, 2013. Allen joined Mark at the eternal fishing hole on May 19, 2021.

As a Burns US Postal Letter Carrier for 32 years. Allen worked his way up to Hines Postmaster on Feb. 12, 1987. 

His boss, Richard Anthony, said “He is outstanding for his dependability and stability. You couldn’t have asked for a better employee in any way, shape or form.”  He remained as Hines Postmaster until he retired.

Now for memory lane, Allen had numerous hobbies that brought hours of joy and laughter plus a constant yearning for more… 

Hunting: The five-point Elk which was rescued from wire entanglement at Button Flat, became Allen’s hunter trophy on Nov. 15, 1969. You can imagine his surprise when he approached his downed elk and discovered it had ear tags in it ears.  

They had been put there by Game Commission personnel prior to releasing the entangled elk. Allen gave the beautiful head and well scarred horns to the Game Commission but asked to keep the ear tags. 

It is not every day you kill a big bull elk with tags in its ears. He got a lot of ribbing from his friends and coworkers about killing the big ‘Pet’ elk. He maintained he wouldn’t have shot the elk at all if he’d known who he was.

Fishing: Allen was an avid fisherman and could catch almost anything. Just recently he was able to haul in his largest catch ever, his brother Eldon.

Trapping: Allen was an excellent trapper and purchased conditioner from the local beauty supply to prepare his many excellent pelts.  He didn’t rib Hollie when she came to him for pointers after trapping 24 skunks and no bobcats.

Flint Knapping: What beautiful gorgeous indescribable arrow points and knives he has patiently and skillfully produced and crafted from a variety of beautiful and exotic stones.  This excellent skill has brought smiles to us all.

Perhaps it was in the name, but Allen had a big heart for family, friends, country and the community. He served countless hours serving those around him. 

He is a life member of the Elks Lodges 1680 here in Burns. In the Masons he progressed to Master of the Lodge.  He served many years as president of the Burns Fire Department.  He even flew all the way to the East coast to drive home with Burns’ first ambulance. 

However, his most heartfelt devoted service was to his family and friends. He had a talent for letting you know he loved you.  And we did and do love him.

In the days to follow, we will all see Allen in our everyday comings and goings. Whether it be a mail truck or box, the sound of a bird, the race of a squirrel, the sight of a stream, the smell of a steak or trout.  His arrowheads will be penetrating our hearts with his example and love forever more. We Love you Allen! 

Allen is survived by his wife, Helen Louise Brown; son, Philip Allen Hart (Marek); brothers, Ora Eldon Hart (Sally), William Thomas (Bill) Hart; sisters, Mary Ann Wardell (Frank) and Marilyn Ididca (Fred); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his son, Mark Irving Hart; and his parents, Muriel and Vernon Hart.

Contributions in Allen’s memory may be made to the Elks Lodge 1680.