Allen Spencer Harden

Allen Spencer Harden passed away on Friday, February 19, 2010 at Mt. Olympus Rehabilitation Center after recent surgery. Allen was born April 13, 1932 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Henry "Bud" Harden and Margaret Spencer Harden. Known to his best friends as "Big Al," Allen always had a big heart.

Allen's family lived for a period of time with his grandparents in Sugarhouse. Later, Allen lived in Rose Park where he attended West High School and met his eternal companion, Glenda Waters. Allen made friends easily and was quick to put others ahead of himself. Whenever there was a service project or assignment, Allen was the first to volunteer or accept the call.

He lettered in football and basketball at West High where he was also elected as the Student Body President. He served his country in the army during the Korean conflict and graduated from the University of Utah with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. Allen worked for some time at Litton Guidance Systems and later worked for 28 years as a Software Engineer for the FAA until he retired.

Allen lived for 43 years in the East Mill Creek 4th Ward where he served in many callings including: counselor in the bishopric, scoutmaster, high priest group leader, and long-time ward clerk. Allen and Glenda served as temple missionaries together in the Washington D.C. Temple. He had a strong testimony of the mercy, atonement and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Allen was a loving husband, devoted father and beloved grandfather.

Allen is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Tom) Tripp, Spencer (Anne) Harden; two brothers, Robert (Robin) Harden and Larry (Vicki) Davis, eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Glenda, his brother Don, two daughters, Deborah Ann and Mary Louise; and one grandson, Jeffrey Thomas Tripp.

Funeral services: Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 11:00 a.m., East Mill Creek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Drive (3600 S.) Viewings: Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 E. and at the church Tuesday 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff and residents at Highland Cove for their loving care and support.