24 | Snowmobile VERMONT In Memory Dennis K. Allen passed away on Dec. 19 at the age of 55 at his home surrounded by his family. Survivors include his wife, Susan; daughter, Kate Allen; three siblings, Floyd, Dorothy and Janet Allen; all of Reading, a grandson, three nephews and many cousins. Dennis was employed as a road technician with Nortrax Equipment in Springfield. He also owned and operated Allen Welding and Repair, which was handy when it came to repairing the groomer. He was the founder and president of Reading Rats ATV Club and President of the Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club. In addition to grooming the trails of his club, he also groomed the secondary trails for the Cavendish Green Mountain Snow Fleas. He groomed with a Kawasaki Mule, which had seen its best years many years earlier. That didn’t stop him though. He used duct tape, clamps and just about everything else to keep that “old mule” running. Back in the spring, the area clubs, family and friends held a fundraiser for him to help with his medical expenses. He was positive, looking strong and very appreciative and humbled by all the help and kindness from so many people. Dennis had done so much for so many people throughout the years and never expected anything in return. Everyone wanted to give back to him during his time of need. For many years, Dennis kept the Little Ascutney club going on his own. He used his own equipment, money, time and did whatever was needed to keep the club alive. When the snow came, it was all about snowmobiling for Dennis. Dennis had been riding all his life, probably since he could walk. Dan Hadwen considered Dennis his best friend. He shared that, “Snowmobiling was Dennis’s greatest passion.” He had many friends and he would take excursions on his beloved Blade Snowmobile around the state for days every year. With a small group of friends, they would leave from Downers Corners, go to St. Johnsbury and ride the Kingdom together. It is a tradition that his friends will truly miss without him. People bring other people together and this is something Dennis did often. Friends within his circle may have only known each other because of their friendship with Dennis, but those acquaintances have become friendships now, sharing the memory, love and loss of a dear friend. Dennis Allen will be missed by the VAST community in so many ways by so many people. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club, 2293 Kingdom Road, Ludlow, VT 05149 or to the Reading Rats ATV Club, P.O. Box 98, North Springfield, VT 05150. Remembering DENNIS ALLEN By Patty Companik