Chuck Allen’s facebook page is getting inundated this morning with messages memorializing the man who did so much to legitimize competitive board sports in the United States and the world.
Allen died yesterday on Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2011) a little after 1 PM following what has been described as complications with emphysema that had seen him hospitalized for approximately a week and a half before his death. He was with his family when he died. Allen was 74 years old.
Allen is best known as co-founder of the National Scholastic Surfing Association in 1978 and as the founder, in 1988, of the United States Amateur Snowboard Association. Lately, with his work as an ambassador at Mountain High Resort, Chuck was one of the biggest promoters of snowboarding in Southern California, but he was so much more to so many people.
Snowboard innovator Jeff Grell posted the following on Allen’s facebook page:
There was never a better friend than Chuck Allen, my mentor, my inspiration and the best sports event professional I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Chuck, you welcomed me into your family and always gave back more than anyone I’ve ever known, I will truly miss you.
Sierra-at-Tahoe General Manager John Rice agreed:
Pioneer, mentor, coach, friend, you have affected the lives of so many people in so many ways with your positive energy and smiles. Your spirit will live on in every kid with board sports dreams, the countless hours you gave through all the years will never be taken for granted.
Our thoughts are with Chuck Allen’s family, especially his wife Chris, his children, grandchildren and his worldwide family of snowboard and surf friends. We will all miss him dearly. We will keep you posted on memorial service information as it becomes available.
[Update February 20, 2011: Chuck Allen was remembered today in the New York Times for a life spent dedicated to education and boardsports.]
Chuck Allen was a truly wonderful person who had the biggest heart and gave so much to everyone around him. He will be missed greatly by all of us. RIP Chuck
Chuck was was of those dudes that would always give a hand to anyone, anywhere. I credit Chuck for being a HUGE supporter since the beginning of our 19 years in biz. I grew up watching NSSA and started riding in NSASA in 1989 during the ole Bear days. Amateur Surfing and Snowboarding would be hella different without Chuck. RIP Much Love and Respect
M
Today we lose a great man but we gain a ‘saint’. Thanks Chuck for pulling me aside many years ago and asking me, “where are you going Mike?” Because you gave me great advice I will never forget.
Forever young and smiling in my mind. So happy to have been able to jaber with him in Denver. What a cutie
The best $500 TransWorld ever spent was the money we donated to Chuck to start the USASA. I’ve never anyone do more with less than Chuck Allen. His personal drive and enthusiasm made things happen that created a foundation for future generations.
Chuck was super smart, brave enough to buck anyone or any political body if it was the right thing to do, and wise beyond most anyone involved in action sports, especially in the early days of competitive surfing and snowboarding.
You can judge an association by the champions they produce and Chuck mentored more than his share. Even the losers were winners after he got through with them. Character was the main thing he tried to cultivate in anyone he was involved with, whether a competitor he was coaching or a friend. And Chuck was friends with everyone.
There are just some people who really make a difference because they care so much to make the world a better place than they found it. He was always improving the status quo by insisting that things be both fair and logical. Chuck always gave back more than he took. And had a way of digging up sponsorship than no one else could find because everyone believed in him and what he was doing.
I loved and respected Chuck in a way that I hadn’t realized fully until now. He was a great inspiration and will live in my heart forever.
HE WAS THE BEST FATHER-INLAW AS WELL. I WANTED TO SAY THAT THE MEMORIAL WILL BE TUESDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2011 AT MONTECITO MEMORIAL PARK IN COLTON, CA ON WASHINGTON STREET. WE WILL HAVE A PADDLE OUT SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2011 AT THE HUNTINGTON BEACH PEIR 1PM..LOVE YOU CHUCK..KEITH
Chuck brought the best out of all of us in snowboarding: the riders, their parents, the coaches, event officials, sponsors, the mountains, regional directors and board members, media – yes, all of us. His leadership style was different, soft spoken, fair, honest, inclusive, respectful, encouraging, accepting, and insightful.
The Sport and all associated with it have lost a legend. I feel honored to have know Chuck, to have been a friend, to have worked closely with him, and to now remember and miss him.
Love to Chris and Chuck’s family, Don Sather/Colorado
TO CHRIS AND FAMILY,
NOT ONLY DID WE LOSE A FAMILY MEMBER TODAY WE ALSO LOST A PART OF OUR HEART ON 02-14-11 .
GOD WAS THE WINNER IN THIS ONE AS HE RECEIVED A SAINT TODAY.
MY “LITTLE BROTHER” NEVER CHANGED AS A CHILD HE WAS ALWAYS KIND WITH A FOREVER SMILE ON HIS FACE.
HE LOVED CHALLENGES AND NEVER BACKED DOWN FROM ONE.
I HAVE A PICTURE OF CHARLES IN A FRAME.
THE MEMORIES I HAVE OF HIM IS MY KEEPSAKE WITH WHICH I WILL NEVER PART.
HE IS LOVED AND MISSED DEARLY –CHARLES IS REMEMBERED BY ALL HIS FAMILY HERE IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA.
BILLIE BECK, CHARLES “BIG SISTER”
When not at A Beach, I am usually found at A Honky Tonk / Rodeo. So, I had to “Show – Some – Love” to A Fellow Surfing Cowboy. Due to an injury, I was unable to participate in “The In – Memory Of Chuck Allen (RIP), Paddle – Out,” so I made 2011 my year to spend two weeks with and to photograph the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) Competitors and Their Families. I met so many Great Folks.
Semper Fi,
“Major Pain”
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