Lynda and I offer our sincere condolences to Mike's family. We have many fond memories of Mike during our time with Unisource. I know he is deeply missed.

Mike always loved to share stories about his career with Unisource. I recall his 40 year anniversary party. He was so proud of his career and kept us close as family. My deepest sympathy to his Family.

One of the many qualities Mike had was the ability to use common sense.  He understood how people worked. Mike established business relationships, and identified customer needs through good listening skills, and by just being himself. I will miss your "refreshing presence" at Unisource.

Mike was a Joy to work with, he always knew the right thing to say no matter the situation. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers for the entire family.

I am very sad to hear of Mike's passing. I got a chance to meet and spend time with Mike for the first time 6 years ago.  I have to say he was one of the best guys I have ever met with great energy and passion for life and family.  He will be missed by all.  The Wilborn family would like to send out our prayers to the family

I am so very very sorry to hear of Mike's death. I first met Mike as kids growing up in Fresno. He was such a wonderful and positive human being. My heart goes out to his family on this tragic loss.

I most recently spent time with Mike at a company meeting in Las Vegas and despite many recent medical challenges he was engaging as ever. As fellow Blake, Moffitt and Towne division managers we spent many days and a few long nights together.  Always the greatest guy.  My thoughts are with the family.  He will be missed by everyone he touched.

This was such sad news to hear.  Mike was still such a young man.

I remember Mike from when he came to work in the warehouse with his dad at Blake Moffitt and Towne.  In 1967 he came in to work with us in sales at BM&T and on to Unisource.  He was a good friend as well as a co-worker. 

He will be so deeply missed.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of their sorrow and may the Lord Bless and Comfort each and everyone of you.

So sorry to hear about Mike's passing.  I have fond memories of calling on Mike in Fresno and found him to always be warm, fun to talk to, and a good man.  He will be missed.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Mike - While breif was our working connection- I never felt lost when trying to communicate with you.  Always felt comfortable even w/all the changes in the company.  Thank you -  it was a privilege.  God Bless You and Your Family.

My Buddy Mike

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike for over 30 years.  When I started at    BM & T he was very kind to me and always took time from his busy schedule to chat.  He would ask about my family, tell me about his family or just share a story with me.  He was a wealth of knowledge and information.  He never knew a stranger, once a friend always a friend.  
Mike (Buddy) you’ll be truly missed.

I first met Mike in 1982 when I went to work for Unisource and Mike was the Sales Manager.  He was a great boss and helped me so much, sharing his experience, knowledge and instinct.  He was the best!  Mike and I worked together for twenty years and he always had a smile, a funny story and encouragement for you. I cannot remember Mike ever losing his patience at anyone or any situation.  As a friend. Mike always had time for you and once you were his friend, you had a friend for life.  He was one of those rare people that some of us are privileged to have had in our lives.

God bless and keep you, Mike.  God bless and comfort your family and your friends in our loss.

Mike always had a positive effect on all he touched. Mike was a great mentor and took a real interest in my career when I became a manager.  He always went out of his way to make you feel good about situations. Even in the most challenging of times you could count on Mike for a smile and positive attitude.  He was really one of the good guys and will be truly missed.

Dear Allen Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have known Mike for many years and always thought of him as a truly great guy. Just a class act. Such a loss. May God bless all of you.
Steve Waller
Unisource - Billings,MT.


                                                  Mike Allen
                                                     Feb 19, 1945 - Jan 15, 2011
                                              COACH --- MENTOR --- FRIEND

Mike was one of those guys --- when you met him, you liked him, in business or socially.           Every time he gained a customer he made a life long friend.
 
Mike started his career in the paper business in the 60’s working for his dad, Gene Allen, who was Warehouse Manager for Blake Moffitt and Towne, Fresno California, in the 50’s and 60’s.  Whether sweeping floors or pulling orders, Mike worked hard and found the paper business to be a career he would call home for years to come.  Mike started on Oct 1, 1967 in the sales department.  Mike learned quickly how to close the deal, he did a great job selling, and made a lot of friends along the way. By 1982, Mike was Sales Manager for all segments of our business.  Also in 1982 Mike went to work for Carpenter Offutt Paper Company as Sales Manager in Fresno California. This was an Alco Standard Company; in 1985 Blake Moffitt and Towne and Carpenter Offutt merged to become Unisource Corporation. After many successful years as Sales Manager, Mike was promoted to Division Manager for the Fresno Division until 1999 when he went back to what he loved to do, selling. Mike was one of the top salesmen in Fresno until his passing. Mike was the guy you wanted to be friends with --- he would help the new sales people by sharing his wisdom and coaching them to always do better, stay positive, and by being their friend.  Mike’s wealth of knowledge, his integrity, and his humor made him a wonderful asset and joy to our team here in Fresno.  

Mike married his high school sweetheart and best friend, JoLynn, they had 42 years together and three great children Hilary, Meagan and Travis, and just recently a grandchild – Michael Harvey.
  
Mike will be deeply missed by his family, by all of his friends at Unisource, and all our customers in Fresno. Mike was the type that if you had two strikes on you, he would say, “Just swing at the next pitch, your chances of a hit will be there”. Mike always hit the next pitch. Mike ended his life swinging at the last pitch.  

                                             WE WILL ALL MISS YOU, MIKE 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hinds Hospice, where Mike spent his last days.  www.hindshospice.org

I would like to express my condolences to the Allen family.  I have been a customer, acquaintance, friend, and colleague with Mike for over 15 years.  It was always a pleasure dealing with Mike and I will miss him tremendously as a business associate and friend.

My sincere sympathy to the Allen family. I knew Mike since the mid 70's as a vendor to Unisource. I always had such high regard for him as a person and customer. I'll always remember his smile and calm demeanor. God Bless.

Dan Paulucci, San Ramon

You are in my thoughts and prayers - I first met Mike many years ago thru work, he was a kind gentle soul

 To the Allen family i would like to express my sincere condolences to you all. Mike was always cracious and kind and will be missed by all that came in contact with him. God Bless you all.
 Daryl Hall Meridian Id.

So sorry to hear of Mike's sad passing. Although its been nearly 20 years since I worked with Mike at Unisource I thought of him often & always remembered him fondly. May your sorrow be soothed by the many wonderful memories of his life. With much sympathy, Sheila Pellegrini (More)

My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family. He was such a wonderful, happy, loving man. Love you Megs.
Love, Kelly and Ronnie Montez

OBITUARY

Michael Allen

February 19, 1945 – January 15, 2011

Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home

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