Gary Wayne Allen February 13, 1945 - May 4, 2025

On May 4, 2025, Gary Wayne Allen (also lovingly known to many as Santa Gary) passed away due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. His beloved wife of 56 years, Muriel, was at his side. Throughout his life — and especially in his final weeks — he often said how fortunate he was to have the wife and family he did. We can say with full hearts that we were just as fortunate to have him as our Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa.

Gary was born on February 13, 1945, in Camp Polk, Louisiana, to Robert Scott and Louise Pierce Allen. He grew up in Ames, Iowa, where, during high school, he worked alongside his father on research in the field of biochemistry. He loved to tell funny stories from that time—often involving cows and stomach gases. Gary graduated from Ames High School in 1963 and soon after faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ireland. Upon returning, he attended Brigham Young University, where he majored in geology and minored in psychology. It was at BYU that he met the love of his life, Muriel Louise Burrows, of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. They were sealed for time and all eternity on August 22, 1968, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. He rarely missed a day telling Muriel how much he loved her.

Gary and Muriel raised their five children across many places they called home — Provo, Utah; Pensacola, Florida; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Arlington, Virginia; El Cajon, Covina, and Ontario, California; Katy, Texas; and Sandy and Orem, Utah. For the past 25 years, they made their home in Salem, Utah, where they enjoyed a quieter life surrounded by family, memories, and mountains. Gary especially loved Salem Pond and felt a deep connection to the town, which was also home to his family roots.

Gary enlisted in the Navy in 1971 with the goal of becoming a navigator on fighter jets. However, after some unpleasant encounters with G-forces, barrel rolls, and the hot dogs he had for lunch (which he turned into amusing stories), our roller-coaster-averse father decided that solid ground suited him better. He instead served as an Intelligence Specialist in the Naval Investigative Services. After receiving an honorable discharge, Gary entered the field of workers’ compensation insurance, where he worked for over 20 years. Later, he shifted gears, becoming self-employed as a headhunter and an airport shuttle driver — always a people person, always up for a good conversation.

After retiring, Dad embraced a role that blended his joyful spirit, love for children, and naturally white beard — Santa Gary. For eight wonderful years, he brought Christmas magic to countless children, especially those with special challenges. He’d enter each Santa set with a boisterous, jolly “Ho, ho, ho!” but always kept his interactions gentle and attentive. One onlooker once said, “Look at him. He is not Santa Claus; he is an angel.” Dad considered it a privilege to step into that role, and often said he was the one who felt blessed by those interactions. His grandchildren proudly told anyone who’d listen that their Grandpa was the “real” Santa Claus.

Dad loved hunting, photography, bowling, and reading — especially history. He was an avid sports fan, particularly loyal to BYU, and always appreciated a good game, win or lose. His great sense of humor made watching cartoons and slapstick comedy especially fun, as he often laughed out loud and drew everyone else into the moment with him. That lightheartedness extended far beyond entertainment; it was a core part of how he connected with others. He brought that same warmth and humor into his storytelling, whether he was sharing tales from his mission in Ireland (he never learned to love liver and onions), recounting funny moments from dating and marrying Mom (which often earned him eye-rolls and playful disagreement from her), or telling us about the time he drove Santa Claus around at Christmastime. His hearty laugh, expressive delivery, and animated retellings often made the stories even better than the events themselves — we couldn’t help but laugh right along with him.

He had a remarkable gift for seeing the good in everyone and carried a quietly steady optimism that lifted those around him. He also had a soft spot for his beloved cats, who returned his affection with constant companionship and devotion.

Above all, Dad treasured time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He made the perfect Aebleskivers, grilled cheese sandwiches, and banana splits, and his freezer was always stocked with ice cream — something the grandkids never forgot. Even when hearing and mobility became difficult, he still showed up for family dinners and gatherings, simply to be with the people he loved. Nothing meant more to him than having family together.

Dad served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a seminary teacher, in Elders Quorum presidencies, and in a bishopric. He especially enjoyed teaching Gospel Doctrine, a calling he served in several times for both youth and adults. Dad had a tender testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, which was consistently demonstrated through his quiet dedication, service, and love for others.

Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago, though he likely experienced early symptoms for 8 to 10 years before diagnosis. Parkinson’s shaped the final years of his life, but he faced it with gentle humor, courage, and optimism.

Gary is survived by his wife Muriel; their five children, Stacey (Charles) Hatch, Rea Allen, Scott (Holly) Allen, Gwen (Mitch) Heath, and Brent (Laura) Allen; and their 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and both brothers, Don Robert and Ross Michael, and his precious cat, Jasper—all of whom we are sure he is enjoying a sweet reunion with at this time.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Parkinson’s support group that Gary and Muriel attended throughout the years, and to the many doctors, nurses, and physical therapists who supported him along the way. Special thanks go to Legacy Physical Therapy at Treeo Senior Living, Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Stonehenge of Orem, Spring Gardens in Mapleton, and Mandy and Katelyn with Ability Hospice, who helped guide us with compassion and care during his final months.

We are deeply grateful to Walker Funeral Home for their compassionate service during this tender time; and to our wonderful family and friends for the outpouring of love and support.

A viewing will be held on May 15, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Walker Funeral Home, 587 South 100 West, Payson, Utah. Funeral services will be held on May 16, 2025, at the Cherry Ridge Ward chapel, 1129 South 250 West, Salem, Utah, with a viewing from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM and the service beginning at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at the Salem City Cemetery. The service will also be broadcast for those unable to attend (see link under his photo at the top of this page, or below – white arrow in red box).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson’s Foundation   http://parkinson.org/   in Gary’s memory.