Cindy Shepherd
I first met Allen in Nee-Hi's. He started off as my instructor and over the years became my friend. I believe he was the creative mind behind the scenes in the corp; without him there would have been nothing impressive, but with him he made impressive possible for this small town. We had many instructors who were all a wonderful influence on us and who were also a wonderful part of the corp, but Allen seemed to be the one who just pieced it all together in just the right way. He saw the bigger picture. He was definitely on page with every aspect of the corp and he loved it! I had the privilege of attending a drum corp conference with him where we studied formations of drills and how everything comes together and how you create a masterpiece out of simple things that would actually come alive and look like an orchestrated show in competition, and I tell you this is not any small task. There were many facets involved that made my head spin, but Allen was a natural at it. His mind saw things that most could never imagine and the end results were a lot of girls that actually looked like a real drum corp and something to be proud of. We worked hard and got along like a tight-knitted family. His wife Sandy also became a friend as we sat together with both of our girls (both named Ashley) in swim class together when they were very little. I still can't believe he is gone, but one thing I do have a feeling of is that he is not done orchestrating some very beautiful events in the heavens. I will always remember Allen as being vibrant and full of energy guiding the corp. That is how I know him best and how my eyes will always see him. My deepest sympathy to Sandy, Ashley, Austin and all of his loved ones. God didn't take away, and I know it feels like that; but God drew him closer to His heart and into His direct presence. There will be a day where we will see what Allen Engleking is really capable of creating beyond our human limitations. With the earthly experience he has gathered, I know he has moved up to much more beautiful and fulfilling things. Let's not say goodbye, let's keep him near and active in our thoughts and allow his memory to help us build some pretty remarkable things in our lives as well. God Bless!