Craig Allen

Craig Robert Allen, age 65, of Fargo, ND, passed on to our Heavenly Father at Sanford Hospice House in Fargo, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, after a courageous battle against lung cancer.  Craig was born on July 20, 1954, at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, the third child of the late Robert & Violet (Buchholz) Allen.  He attended his school years in the Fargo Public School District.  By trade, Craig was a skilled drywaller, taper, texturizer, roofer, and carpet layer.  He traveled and lived all over the USA and made friends easily wherever he had settled in for a time.  Growing up, Craig adored the family’s pets; in his adult life he raised his rat terrier, Buster, and they were buddies for over 14 years.  Craig’s daughter, Taylor Olson, whom he was very proud of, was born April 16, 1998, in Fargo.  Taylor brought joy into Craig’s life, and he loved the times he spent with her.  One of Craig’s favorite pastimes was playing guitar.  He enjoyed playing songs by artists Steve Earle, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver, and Kris Kristofferson, etc.  Craig was musically gifted, but preferred to play and sing in small groups, generally for family members and friends.   He wrote a couple of songs but was reluctant about sharing them with too many people.  Some of Craig’s other hobbies were reading historical novels, fishing and hunting.

He is survived by his daughter, Taylor Olson, Fargo; 4 siblings: Charlotte Swenson, Peoria, AZ, Cheryl (Wayne) Huber, Cary (Lori) Allen, and Carla Allen,  all of Bismarck, ND, his aunts, uncle & cousins, several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.  Also, by his best friend and honorary brother, Jay Wilkie, and devoted special friends John & Lorna Ihle.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Violet (Buchholz) Allen, grandparents Paul & Erna (Schulz) Buchholz, Hannah Erbstoesser Allen, Bert & Mary Allen, and brother-in-law, John Swenson.

Celebration of Life:   2:00 pm Saturday, February 8, 2020 in West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo, with Visitation held one hour prior to his service.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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