Obituary of Allen E. Reichenbach

Bolton Landing/Alberta, Canada: Allen Eugene Reichenbach, 70, formerly of Bolton Landing, passed away quietly in his sleep May 17, 2014, at The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. Born April 8, 1944 in New York City, he was the son of the late William and Elsa (Geithe) Reichenbach. From his days at Bolton Central School, where he caused great frustration for teachers and principal alike, to his last days living with a brain tumor and the cancers that ultimately took his life, he lived life his own way; he marched to his own drumbeat. One favorite story tells how Allen, who was about 14 years old at the time, entered school in the morning with a cheery hello to the principal, Mr. Benson, before proceeding to a back door and out to a happy day of truancy. There were many such adventures. One activity he especially enjoyed while in school was playing the kettle drum in Bolton’s marching band before he moved to Florida to live with his older brother, Bob, and his family while finishing his schooling. Shortly after his graduation, Vietnam became Allen’s home for the better part of five years. He served two tours of duty and saw considerable action, including that of machine gunner on evacuation helicopters. Wounds suffered during the war were undoubtedly responsible for his recurring health problems later in life. Following Vietnam, Allen attended the University of Alberta. It was during his time there that he met and married Elsie Neufeld, the mother of Keith and Lean Reichenbach. Allen spent many years in Edmonton working in the automotive industry. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, supplying family and friends with venison and moose meat, as well as homemade sausage. Allen’s brushes with death were not confined to the war era; at the age of 54 he was diagnosed with an advanced brain tumor, requiring immediate surgery. While he survived, he was left with diminished sight in both eyes. Nonetheless, Allen continued to pursue interests and to take long walks every day to maintain his fitness, often walking 18 miles in a day. Besides his parents, Allen was predeceased by a grandson, Alexander Burrows, his brothers, Ralph, William, Robert, Richard, David, and Lee Reichenbach, and his sisters, Margaret Bass and Greta and Mona Reichenbach. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Reichenbach; children, Keith Reichenbach, Leah Burrows and her husband, Chris, of Edmonton, Alberta, Angela (Michelle) Elzein, Theresa Reichenbach of TN, and Lena Hinton of GA; granddaughters, Chloe and Blythe; sisters, Rita French of Bolton Landing, Lois Robinson of Queensbury, Dawn DiCiccio and husband, Nuccio, of Glens Falls, and Gail Babcock and husband, Ken, of Queensbury and Paradise Valley, AZ; sisters-in-law, Roberta Bell Reichenbach of Queensbury, and Janet Reichenbach of FL. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Allen’s family from 10-11 am, Saturday, August 16, 2014 at Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main Street, Warrensburg. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 am, Saturday, at the funeral home. A graveside service will immediately follow in Bolton Rural Cemetery, with Rev. Harold Shippey officiating. A continuation of Allen’s celebration of life will be held at the home of Gail Reichenbach and her husband beginning at 1 pm. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.