Allan Reed Heath
May 1, 1941 ~ February 23, 2011
Allan Reed Heath, age 69, of Lake Charles died February 23, 2011, in a local care facility
Allan was a Lake Charles native, a graduate of LaGrange Senior High School, and McNeese State University. Allan championed McNeese and the marching band at every turn, and cured our childhood earaches by playing his R13 Clarinet.
Allan's genuine friendliness and expert knowledge on Hobie Cat sail boats, made him a natural as the business owner of Sail-n-Ski during the 1970's, and Through the Looking Glass, a sports wear apparel shop, during the 1980's until July 2011. Allan was the Lake Charles Yacht Club Commodore in 1973, and his achievements and contributions include winning five championships and introducing the Hobie Cat to the Lake Charles area. Allan's good friend, Hobie Cat executive Paul Collins, once asked Allan if he could give his daughter sailing lessons, but due to a regatta event, Allan politely declined. Years later, Allan regaled telling the story in which he forever kicked himself for turning down Bo Derek one hot summer.
Allan was a devotee of horticulture, Mark Twain, and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. Allan believed that truth and philosophy could be found at the Taos, New Mexico Ski Valley. Save us a seat at the great chalet, Allan. Love ya, Bubba.
Allan is survived by his sister, Abigail Heath Richard husband Chris, two nieces, L. Dover and Caitlin Richard, and numerous cousins. Allan is preceded in death by his parents, John and Gertrude Heath, and sister, Jan Heath.
Memorial services will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, February 26, 2011 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Father Jack Myers will officiate. A gathering of friends will be Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of service in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the McNeese Alumni Association, MSU Box 90775, Lake Charles, LA, 70609.
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Allan and I first became friends @ 1963. I can't really remember any of the particulars of our introduction to one another. It just seemed like we were meant to be there at that time of the year and to become close, fast friends. We took day trips down to Cameron Rutherford beach in his tan MG, hung out at his parent's home, listened to his unending political enthusiasm for Barry Goldwater, played tennis, attended McNeese football games, sailed, and quenched our thirst at the AW Rootbeer Shop behind McNeese. Life after that summer, took each of us in very different directions, but our paths frequently criscrossed over the next fifty years. My life's journey often took me away from Lake Charles for long durations of time. But when I returned there was always my fiendship with Allan. I was a pallbearer at his father's funeral. He befriended my sons and always amused them with tall stories of our boyhood adventures. Allan's, quite naturally, been on my mind a lot lately; and a funny memory of him popped into my mind earlier today…. Allan went through a period of time when his quick, jovial nature wrapped itself around the art of puns. And invarriably, when Allan wiuld work one,or two, or twelve into a conversation; he was often so entertained by his own brilliant wit, that he could hardly contain himself. He would quickly elbow you and then bust into a hearty laugh at his own joke. often repeating and explaining the pun, and saying get it? Even though I personally thought puns were a little corny, Allan was so amused and entertained by himself that I also had to burst out into laughter.
I graduated from LaGrange with Allan, He was such a nice friendly guy, Although thru the years, I don't think we ever spoke again, but pleasant memories came about him from time to time, May God Bless all family and friends.
Many of my friends took up sailing because of Allan. He was a great influence on Lake Charles and sailing. My Love and prayers are with you and your family.