Bainbridge Island resident, Allen Edwin Kurtz, age 77, died January 16, 2005 at his Bainbridge Island home.

He was born November 30, 1927 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Noah and Martha (Packard) Kurtz. After completing service in the U. S. Navy, Allen earned a degree in engineering from the University of Wyoming.

He came to Seattle to work for Boeing, and spent his entire professional life with the company. He worked on several projects, including the galley cart lift for the 747, which he followed from the initial design through to specialized versions for individual customers. His enthusiasm for engineering and design extended beyond his job to avocational projects, such as a solar heating system for his neighborhood swimming pool and remodeling the Queen City Yacht Club Bainbridge outstation dock.

He met and married Mary Tharalson in Seattle in 1954, and they lived in south Seattle until her death in 1980.

He later met Kathleen Sproule through mutual friends, and they were married in Renton in 1984. They moved to Bainbridge Island in 1990.

Allen was a long-time member of the Queen City Yacht Club and combined his interest in boating with his technical skills on several "predicted log races," including an extended trip to Alaska in 1989 aboard the "Kaylen". He was also an interested participant in the operations of the Eagle Harbor Condominium Association, an enthusiastic bridge player, and loved to watch football on television.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen (Kay) Kurtz, Bainbridge Island; two daughters, Sandra Kurtz and Stephanie Mascis, both of Seattle; two brothers, Joseph Kurtz, Sequim; James Kurtz, Auburn; two sisters, Jane Culver, Los Angeles, CA; Gene Lewis, Meeteetse, WY and three grandsons.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please do something kind for someone special.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kass Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island.

The Seattle Times - Jan. 21, 2005.