Mark Allen, 65, passed away on July 29th, 2016 at his home in Bozeman, MT after a two-year battle with cancer.

Mark was born in Murray, KY on May 26, 1951 to Thomas and Patricia Allen. He grew up in Sheridan, WY, and even when circumstances took him elsewhere, he always considered it home.

Early in life, Mark developed an interest in cars and Harley Davidson motorcycles that would turn into a lifelong passion professionally and personally. Mark worked as a mechanic for several auto shops around Sheridan before starting his own independent shop in 1994. He named it My Mechanic, as it was often how he was introduced in social settings. For many in Sheridan, Mark became the man they trusted with their cars, especially Volkswagens – his particular passion. Mark's knowledge of the interworking of cars was unparalleled and he approached each job with care and patience.

Later in life, he decided that turning wrenches was a younger man's game. Life took him to Layton, UT, where he worked as a service writer for a VW dealership, and later to Bozeman, where he worked behind the counter at Carquest, talking with other gearheads about their projects. For Mark, being a gearhead was a social experience that shaped his friendships and his hobbies.

He loved the thrill of drag racing with close friends at the drag strips in Douglas and Billings. He owned several Harleys, and could be found riding any chance he got. Riding was an opportunity to decompress and experience the freedom of the open road. When it was too cold to be on a Harley, Mark found another avenue to travel at excessive speeds: skiing – a passion he shared with his wife and sons.

Above all, Mark was devoted to his family. He raised three sons, teaching them to be kind, hardworking, and share his love of life . He and his wife of 18 years, Linda, shared many adventures, from riding their Harleys to Sturgis to wandering the streets of Paris.

In his final years, he worked to restore a 1967 VW Beetle, a project he shared with his entire family. It was a perfect summary of how he lived his life: doing what he loved with those he loved most. Mark knew that life was short, so you better enjoy it while you can.

Mark was preceded in death by his father, Thomas.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia; wife, Linda; sons, Daniel (Hilary), Justin (Vanessa), and Steven (Bonnie); stepson, Isaac Opalinsky (Dana); grandsons, Rhodes and August; sisters, Lauri Nilluka and Diane Roman (Andy); brothers, Dana (Jennifer) and Jan (Angelita); and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 13, First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan, Pastor Doug Melius presiding. A wake will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bozeman Health Foundation in memory of Mark. Donations can be made at www.bozemanhealthfoundation.org/Donations.

The Sheridan Press - Aug. 9, 2016.