Ralph Gerald Allen

Beloved husband and father, Ralph Gerald Allen, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2021, surrounded by his children. He was born on a farm in rural Nebraska during the great depression on October 20, 1932. He met his soon-to-be wife Joyce Allen while attending University of Nebraska. After getting married and graduating from college together, Ralph and Joyce moved to sunny California in their red ‘55 Chevy convertible to start a new life and career in architecture. He was familiar with Southern California because that is where he did his Navy basic training during the Korean War.

Ralph gained national and international notoriety through his Architecture firm Ralph Allen & Partners, Architects. His designs used concrete in a sculptural quality like waves on the ocean. He was environmentally aware before that was a thing. His firm won the Owens-Corning Energy Conservation Award for Fremont Elementary and a Department of Energy Award for Century High School. Of the 37 local, State and National Awards the capstone was the California Firm of the year for 1998 by the American Institute of Architects. Ralph received his AIA Fellowship in design in 1995. Only 1% of all architects achieve this honor. His book “Concrete Spirit: The Architecture of Ralph Allen,” has sold in 25 countries’ worldwide, with Japan leading in book sales.

Ralph was active in organizations that helped children in need, including the Santa Ana Kiwanis Club and Boys and Girls Club. Ralph was also a classic car enthusiast.

Ralph is survived by his three children Mark, Christy and Paul, his wife, and their two treasured children. When I think of my dad I fondly think of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, because that’s the kind of life he lived.