BUCKFIELD — Many in town were shocked Sunday to learn that Rodney Allen, a selectman and former business owner known for his work with the town and the American Legion, had died of a heart attack. He was 75.

Town Manager Dana Lee called the loss “very shocking.” He said he had grown accustomed to seeing Allen at the Town Office several times a week and that Allen was a dedicated public servant. Allen approached every issue thoughtfully, Lee said. Recently, Allen spent between 12 and 20 hours researching a road issue.

“He really cared about what he was doing,” Lee said. “He took his office very, very seriously.”

At the same time, Allen had an infectious laugh and a good sense of humor, and both men ended up laughing nearly every time he visited the Town Office, Lee said. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard a bad word about the man.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Robin Buswell said he and Allen were old friends, growing up less than a mile apart. “We rode snowmobiles together. We sat in church together,” Buswell said. He said Allen would be missed.

Buswell recalled a recent town meeting at which voters rejected funding requests from “specialty” groups such as the American Red Cross. When the American Legion asked how the town could help, Buswell said, “Rodney was the first one to reach in his pocket.” Buswell said other selectmen and the town manager followed Allen’s lead.

“He was just the kind of guy who would take the first step to help,” Buswell said.

On Allen’s most recent birthday, he asked people to donate to the American Legion in lieu of gifts, Lee recalled. Allen had served eight years in the National Guard, reaching the rank of sergeant.

He was elected to the Board of Selectmen in 2011, beating Chairman John Lowell. Allen’s death leaves only Buswell and Martha Catevenis on the board. Lee said they would have to discuss the process of filling his seat at the next selectmen’s meeting.

“In the meantime, we’re all in a bit of shock about it,” Lee said.

According to Allen’s obituary, he was an active member of the Buckfield Fire Department for 20 years and served on the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Recreation Committee and the SAD 39 Board of Directors. He founded his own business, Allen’s Auto Body, in 1966 and ran it for 30 years until his retirement in 1996. He played the Dobro and steel guitar and was an avid hunter. 

He is survived by Alice Allen, his wife of 53 years; their two daughters, several grandchildren and his sister.

treaves@sunjournal.com

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