As the first-born child, he was named after his grandfathers David Smith and Allen Gilkey. Family and friends knew him as "Allen" while co-workers called him "Dave." When Allen was young, he moved with his parents to Scio, Oregon to the Gilkey homestead. Here, his siblings were born and all five children were involved with working on the farm. Allen attended local schools: Riverview Grade School; Scio, Aumsville, and Albany High Schools.
Then he ventured to Portland, Oregon where he enrolled in the Oregon Institute of Technology, receiving a diploma as Auto Mechanic. Allen loved working on cars and always repaired his own vehicles. If he didn't have a specific tool he needed, he would fabricate one. His first job was at Burke's Garage in Portland, Oregon. Allen also worked for Cummings Transfer (a trucking company) where he loaded and unloaded very heavy items. Another job involved clearing huge trees to make way for Highway 20 (near Santiam Pass and Cascadia, Oregon).
Louise Mae Linville and Allen were married Sept. 11, 1930 in Portland, Oregon. They relocated to California where Allen was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation at Burbank on April 3, 1941.
Allen began as a machinist, but later worked for many years in the Advanced Development Projects section of Lockheed called "Skunkworks" (top security) where Allen had security clearance. For many years he worked on "Birds" and made "cookies." These were the only terms he used to describe his work. He stayed loyal to Lockheed and never divulged what he was doing until the projects were released to the public. He actually fabricated parts and tools to meet the engineer's expectations, following every detail of each order. Allen also tested many substances daily and had to put them on various pieces of special metals that were to be used for building the special top secret planes. He baked them in ovens and then reported on each one, saying if there was any damage to the metal. (Bird excrement was one of the substances!) These samples were called "cookies." The main secret aircraft Allen worked on were the SR-71 Blackbird, P-80 Shooting Star, YF-12 Supersonic Interceptor, Martin B-26 Marauder, U-2 Spyplane, and the A-11 Supersonic (improved to become the A-12, forerunner of the SR-71). He also worked on many other planes and missiles.
Upon his retirement, he was given a special folder with a certificate from the "Skunkworks-Advanced Development Program" and a personal letter written and signed by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Skunkworks, also Senior Vice-President of The Lockheed Corporation and head of the Advanced Development Projects. The letter, dated April 24, 1972, thanked Allen (Dave) for his many years of service, his excellence as an employee, and his devotion to the Skunkworks. The certificate was dated Apr. 30, 1972 which was Allen's retirement date. He wanted to work longer, but left early to care for his ill wife Helen. Allen gave 31 years of his life to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.
During his retirement, Allen enjoyed fishing, digging for clams, camping and visiting family in Oregon and Washington, and camping in Arizona. He spent many of his later years with Loretta (Laura) Booth, his loving companion. She was his neighbor. Allen took a fish to her house that he had just caught and asked her if she'd fry it up for him. That was the beginning of a wonderful love story.
Allen was a wonderful person, kind and generous, a loving and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and companion.
Allen actually NEVER rode in an airplane! He totally refused to go when Lockheed gave him a chance to ride in the planes he helped build. He would not fly on a commercial or a private plane.
Fiercely independent, Allen lived the way he wanted to, dependent on no one. And, in the end, he mowed his grass, sat down and died at his home in Kagel Canyon, California, on March 14, 1989. Allen and his first wife Louise are survived by their daughter, Betty Louise Gilkey (born April 5, 1946 in Glendale, CA). Betty married Paul Aubrey Cortright on Nov. 12, 1966 in Las Vegas, NV. Their child (Allen's granddaughter), Tami Louise Cortright was born July 3, 1971 in Granada Hills, CA. Tami married George DeCesare on Aug. 29, 2003. To this marriage, George brought his son, Nicholas Alec DeCesare (born Nov. 10, 1993). Tami and George's daughter, Liberty Danielle DeCesare, was born Dec. 4, 2012.
(This loving memorial tribute was created by Allen's daughter, Betty Gilkey Cortright.)
Then he ventured to Portland, Oregon where he enrolled in the Oregon Institute of Technology, receiving a diploma as Auto Mechanic. Allen loved working on cars and always repaired his own vehicles. If he didn't have a specific tool he needed, he would fabricate one. His first job was at Burke's Garage in Portland, Oregon. Allen also worked for Cummings Transfer (a trucking company) where he loaded and unloaded very heavy items. Another job involved clearing huge trees to make way for Highway 20 (near Santiam Pass and Cascadia, Oregon).
Louise Mae Linville and Allen were married Sept. 11, 1930 in Portland, Oregon. They relocated to California where Allen was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation at Burbank on April 3, 1941.
Allen began as a machinist, but later worked for many years in the Advanced Development Projects section of Lockheed called "Skunkworks" (top security) where Allen had security clearance. For many years he worked on "Birds" and made "cookies." These were the only terms he used to describe his work. He stayed loyal to Lockheed and never divulged what he was doing until the projects were released to the public. He actually fabricated parts and tools to meet the engineer's expectations, following every detail of each order. Allen also tested many substances daily and had to put them on various pieces of special metals that were to be used for building the special top secret planes. He baked them in ovens and then reported on each one, saying if there was any damage to the metal. (Bird excrement was one of the substances!) These samples were called "cookies." The main secret aircraft Allen worked on were the SR-71 Blackbird, P-80 Shooting Star, YF-12 Supersonic Interceptor, Martin B-26 Marauder, U-2 Spyplane, and the A-11 Supersonic (improved to become the A-12, forerunner of the SR-71). He also worked on many other planes and missiles.
Upon his retirement, he was given a special folder with a certificate from the "Skunkworks-Advanced Development Program" and a personal letter written and signed by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Skunkworks, also Senior Vice-President of The Lockheed Corporation and head of the Advanced Development Projects. The letter, dated April 24, 1972, thanked Allen (Dave) for his many years of service, his excellence as an employee, and his devotion to the Skunkworks. The certificate was dated Apr. 30, 1972 which was Allen's retirement date. He wanted to work longer, but left early to care for his ill wife Helen. Allen gave 31 years of his life to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.
During his retirement, Allen enjoyed fishing, digging for clams, camping and visiting family in Oregon and Washington, and camping in Arizona. He spent many of his later years with Loretta (Laura) Booth, his loving companion. She was his neighbor. Allen took a fish to her house that he had just caught and asked her if she'd fry it up for him. That was the beginning of a wonderful love story.
Allen was a wonderful person, kind and generous, a loving and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and companion.
Allen actually NEVER rode in an airplane! He totally refused to go when Lockheed gave him a chance to ride in the planes he helped build. He would not fly on a commercial or a private plane.
Fiercely independent, Allen lived the way he wanted to, dependent on no one. And, in the end, he mowed his grass, sat down and died at his home in Kagel Canyon, California, on March 14, 1989. Allen and his first wife Louise are survived by their daughter, Betty Louise Gilkey (born April 5, 1946 in Glendale, CA). Betty married Paul Aubrey Cortright on Nov. 12, 1966 in Las Vegas, NV. Their child (Allen's granddaughter), Tami Louise Cortright was born July 3, 1971 in Granada Hills, CA. Tami married George DeCesare on Aug. 29, 2003. To this marriage, George brought his son, Nicholas Alec DeCesare (born Nov. 10, 1993). Tami and George's daughter, Liberty Danielle DeCesare, was born Dec. 4, 2012.
(This loving memorial tribute was created by Allen's daughter, Betty Gilkey Cortright.)
As the first-born child, he was named after his grandfathers David Smith and Allen Gilkey. Family and friends knew him as "Allen" while co-workers called him "Dave." When Allen was young, he moved with his parents to Scio, Oregon to the Gilkey homestead. Here, his siblings were born and all five children were involved with working on the farm. Allen attended local schools: Riverview Grade School; Scio, Aumsville, and Albany High Schools.
Then he ventured to Portland, Oregon where he enrolled in the Oregon Institute of Technology, receiving a diploma as Auto Mechanic. Allen loved working on cars and always repaired his own vehicles. If he didn't have a specific tool he needed, he would fabricate one. His first job was at Burke's Garage in Portland, Oregon. Allen also worked for Cummings Transfer (a trucking company) where he loaded and unloaded very heavy items. Another job involved clearing huge trees to make way for Highway 20 (near Santiam Pass and Cascadia, Oregon).
Louise Mae Linville and Allen were married Sept. 11, 1930 in Portland, Oregon. They relocated to California where Allen was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation at Burbank on April 3, 1941.
Allen began as a machinist, but later worked for many years in the Advanced Development Projects section of Lockheed called "Skunkworks" (top security) where Allen had security clearance. For many years he worked on "Birds" and made "cookies." These were the only terms he used to describe his work. He stayed loyal to Lockheed and never divulged what he was doing until the projects were released to the public. He actually fabricated parts and tools to meet the engineer's expectations, following every detail of each order. Allen also tested many substances daily and had to put them on various pieces of special metals that were to be used for building the special top secret planes. He baked them in ovens and then reported on each one, saying if there was any damage to the metal. (Bird excrement was one of the substances!) These samples were called "cookies." The main secret aircraft Allen worked on were the SR-71 Blackbird, P-80 Shooting Star, YF-12 Supersonic Interceptor, Martin B-26 Marauder, U-2 Spyplane, and the A-11 Supersonic (improved to become the A-12, forerunner of the SR-71). He also worked on many other planes and missiles.
Upon his retirement, he was given a special folder with a certificate from the "Skunkworks-Advanced Development Program" and a personal letter written and signed by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Skunkworks, also Senior Vice-President of The Lockheed Corporation and head of the Advanced Development Projects. The letter, dated April 24, 1972, thanked Allen (Dave) for his many years of service, his excellence as an employee, and his devotion to the Skunkworks. The certificate was dated Apr. 30, 1972 which was Allen's retirement date. He wanted to work longer, but left early to care for his ill wife Helen. Allen gave 31 years of his life to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.
During his retirement, Allen enjoyed fishing, digging for clams, camping and visiting family in Oregon and Washington, and camping in Arizona. He spent many of his later years with Loretta (Laura) Booth, his loving companion. She was his neighbor. Allen took a fish to her house that he had just caught and asked her if she'd fry it up for him. That was the beginning of a wonderful love story.
Allen was a wonderful person, kind and generous, a loving and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and companion.
Allen actually NEVER rode in an airplane! He totally refused to go when Lockheed gave him a chance to ride in the planes he helped build. He would not fly on a commercial or a private plane.
Fiercely independent, Allen lived the way he wanted to, dependent on no one. And, in the end, he mowed his grass, sat down and died at his home in Kagel Canyon, California, on March 14, 1989. Allen and his first wife Louise are survived by their daughter, Betty Louise Gilkey (born April 5, 1946 in Glendale, CA). Betty married Paul Aubrey Cortright on Nov. 12, 1966 in Las Vegas, NV. Their child (Allen's granddaughter), Tami Louise Cortright was born July 3, 1971 in Granada Hills, CA. Tami married George DeCesare on Aug. 29, 2003. To this marriage, George brought his son, Nicholas Alec DeCesare (born Nov. 10, 1993). Tami and George's daughter, Liberty Danielle DeCesare, was born Dec. 4, 2012.
(This loving memorial tribute was created by Allen's daughter, Betty Gilkey Cortright.)
Then he ventured to Portland, Oregon where he enrolled in the Oregon Institute of Technology, receiving a diploma as Auto Mechanic. Allen loved working on cars and always repaired his own vehicles. If he didn't have a specific tool he needed, he would fabricate one. His first job was at Burke's Garage in Portland, Oregon. Allen also worked for Cummings Transfer (a trucking company) where he loaded and unloaded very heavy items. Another job involved clearing huge trees to make way for Highway 20 (near Santiam Pass and Cascadia, Oregon).
Louise Mae Linville and Allen were married Sept. 11, 1930 in Portland, Oregon. They relocated to California where Allen was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation at Burbank on April 3, 1941.
Allen began as a machinist, but later worked for many years in the Advanced Development Projects section of Lockheed called "Skunkworks" (top security) where Allen had security clearance. For many years he worked on "Birds" and made "cookies." These were the only terms he used to describe his work. He stayed loyal to Lockheed and never divulged what he was doing until the projects were released to the public. He actually fabricated parts and tools to meet the engineer's expectations, following every detail of each order. Allen also tested many substances daily and had to put them on various pieces of special metals that were to be used for building the special top secret planes. He baked them in ovens and then reported on each one, saying if there was any damage to the metal. (Bird excrement was one of the substances!) These samples were called "cookies." The main secret aircraft Allen worked on were the SR-71 Blackbird, P-80 Shooting Star, YF-12 Supersonic Interceptor, Martin B-26 Marauder, U-2 Spyplane, and the A-11 Supersonic (improved to become the A-12, forerunner of the SR-71). He also worked on many other planes and missiles.
Upon his retirement, he was given a special folder with a certificate from the "Skunkworks-Advanced Development Program" and a personal letter written and signed by Clarence L. "Kelly" Johnson, an aeronautical engineer and founder of Skunkworks, also Senior Vice-President of The Lockheed Corporation and head of the Advanced Development Projects. The letter, dated April 24, 1972, thanked Allen (Dave) for his many years of service, his excellence as an employee, and his devotion to the Skunkworks. The certificate was dated Apr. 30, 1972 which was Allen's retirement date. He wanted to work longer, but left early to care for his ill wife Helen. Allen gave 31 years of his life to Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.
During his retirement, Allen enjoyed fishing, digging for clams, camping and visiting family in Oregon and Washington, and camping in Arizona. He spent many of his later years with Loretta (Laura) Booth, his loving companion. She was his neighbor. Allen took a fish to her house that he had just caught and asked her if she'd fry it up for him. That was the beginning of a wonderful love story.
Allen was a wonderful person, kind and generous, a loving and beloved father, grandfather, husband, and companion.
Allen actually NEVER rode in an airplane! He totally refused to go when Lockheed gave him a chance to ride in the planes he helped build. He would not fly on a commercial or a private plane.
Fiercely independent, Allen lived the way he wanted to, dependent on no one. And, in the end, he mowed his grass, sat down and died at his home in Kagel Canyon, California, on March 14, 1989. Allen and his first wife Louise are survived by their daughter, Betty Louise Gilkey (born April 5, 1946 in Glendale, CA). Betty married Paul Aubrey Cortright on Nov. 12, 1966 in Las Vegas, NV. Their child (Allen's granddaughter), Tami Louise Cortright was born July 3, 1971 in Granada Hills, CA. Tami married George DeCesare on Aug. 29, 2003. To this marriage, George brought his son, Nicholas Alec DeCesare (born Nov. 10, 1993). Tami and George's daughter, Liberty Danielle DeCesare, was born Dec. 4, 2012.
(This loving memorial tribute was created by Allen's daughter, Betty Gilkey Cortright.)
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