Allen G. Barnes
1945 - 2021

Allen Barnes was born on February 10th, 2021 Allen George Barnes passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 75. Some knew him as Al, some as Uncle Al our favorite pal, and his grandkids called him Grandpa Alligator. Al was an eternal optimist, he had a smile that put you at ease and lit up a room, he always gave more than he took in this world, and I know there is not one person who would share an ill word about Al. He was the dad that every one would want and he truly was an amazing husband to me.

Al was born on June 22nd, 1945 to Doris and George Barnes of Deer Park, WA. He was lucky to live in the country with his parents and four brothers: Glendale, John, Robert and William. He grew up in a very spiritual home, learning the meaning of hard work, service to your neighbor, and kindness. In 1961 Al left Deer Park at the young age of 16 and moved to Seattle, on his own, to start a brave new life. While attending Ballard High School he started at S&W Foods and had many other side jobs to support himself in the big city.

In 1964 a young lady named Judy Greninger caught his eye and on June 11th, 1966 they were married and bought their first home in Mountlake Terrace, WA. In 1969 Al was hired and registered as a B-Man in the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Seattle and their first daughter Shelle was born. Their second daughter, Shawna, was born in 1974. Al worked hard and became an A-Man in local 19 in 1975 and in June of 1993 Al became a very respected foreman in ILWU Local 98 where he remained until his glorious retirement in 2006.

Judy was Al's one true love and she his, the proof is that they spent 54 1/2 years together in a loving and very special marriage punctuated by respect, kindness, silliness, adventures and washing each others backs. In their years together they happily watched their daughter Shelle marry Scott Brihn in 1990 and from this union came two grandchildren Austin and Gracyn. Their daughter Shawna married Greg Reimann in 1995 and they gave Al and Judy three grandchildren, Audre (Andy), Logan and Shae.

Audre also blessed Al and Judy with two great-grandchildren, Georgia and Miles. In 1991 Al, Judy, Shelle, and Shawna met and welcomed into their home and hearts, Julia Guenther of Hannover, Germany. Julia started as an exchange student to our family and became Al and Judy's third daughter. Julia and her husband Thorben have given Al and Judy three grandkids, Lili, Romi and Bela of Hannover, Germany. They have spent many lengthy trips to Germany, their last and latest trip was for six weeks in 2016 so they could be present for the birth of Julia's babies Bela and Romi.

Al and Judy have enjoyed the snow bird life since Al's retirement with homes in both Washington and California. Al had many favorite things in life, his family, his friends, chasing that white ball around the golf course, rootin' for the Seahawks and Mariners, gardening, and travel. The outpouring of love and support that Judy has received at Al's passing just goes to show that Al was one of a kind and will be deeply missed by so many. Thank you all for the amazing stories and insights you have shared about our Al, they have made us all smile every day.