Allen Louis McKimmey, 94
On Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, two days shy of his 95th birthday, Allen Louis McKimmey took a nap and woke up with God.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jeannette K. McKimmey; his parents, Everett and Emily McKimmey and his older brothers, Robert and William McKimmey. He is survived by their four children: Roberta Garner (husband James Reisenauer and children Lisa, Cindy and Beau), Marc (wife Aracely and son Allen), Rebecca (husband Patrick Tabak) and John (wife Tammy and children Jonathan, Chad, Kiely, Dale and David); numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews (we lost count) and numerous very special families.
Al was born in what he liked to call the cultural heart of North Idaho - Wallace, Idaho. When he went to school, the first and second grades were taught in the same room. He was very smitten with the second-grade teacher so much so that he followed along as she taught her class. Because of this, after the Christmas holidays she told his parents that he would now be in the second grade.
His first job after graduating high school at the age of 17 was with Hecla Mining working in the office. His other work history included the IRS in Idaho as a revenue collector, General Telephone in the Tri-Cities, Pack River Company in Idaho, Fiberform Boat Company in Spokane, and then started his own CPA firm; making for more than 60 years in the accounting profession. He continued doing tax work for family and friends up to last year. Now we're going to have to buy TurboTax!
He enlisted in the military in June 1942 as a Hospital Apprentice First Class. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at Camp Pendleton right out of boot camp. He was promoted to Chief Pharmacist's Mate. He received the Presidential Unit Citation 1 star for his services at the battle at Tarawa, Gilbert Island on Nov. 20-24, 1943; Good Conduct Medal; American Area Asiatic Pacific - 3 stars; and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.
He attended Gonzaga University through the GI Bill and graduated in three years. He took the CPA exam and passed it in his first sitting, using home study. GU gave him the opportunity to start a CPA coaching course for night classes - one of the best things that happened to him and it lasted 15 years. Thank you Dan Brajcich!
He was a lifetime member of the Elks Club, the Knights of Columbus and had belonged to the Marketeers Investment Club the longest and was also their oldest member. Up until a month ago, he continued to play bridge and was an avid table tennis (ping-pong) player at the senior center and still frequented the local fitness center. He is now in heaven at the great bridge table with his wife and friends. He will be greatly missed by all, especially his jokes and stories - the longer the better.
Memorial funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spokane Valley. Gonzaga University and St. Ann's Children & Family Center were his favorite charities. But in lieu of flowers, please remember your favorite charity. To view Allen's online memorial please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.