Allyn S. Wasser
June 12, 1941 ~ February 14, 2022
Born in:
Fort Collins, Colorado
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
Allyn S. Wasser 1941 – 2022
Mr. Allyn Wasser passed away Monday, February 14, 2022, in Pueblo, Colorado.
Allyn was born June 12, 1941, to Clinton H. and Lillian Quine Wasser in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he was raised and educated. He battled polio at the age of 8 but through much physical therapy, he was able to recover fully. He received his bachelor’s degree in forestry from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO, in May 1963, married his college sweetheart on August 13, and immediately began his career in the U.S. Forest Service; retiring after serving most of his time as forest ranger throughout Arizona and New Mexico.
Allyn was a master gardener and loved to camp and fish, but really found his joy later in life as a wood-turner, creating an abundance of amazing wood bowls which his family will treasure. He was an active member of the Pueblo Chapter of the American Association of Woodturners (AAW). He also enjoyed dabbling in the stock market and his continued research on many subjects demonstrated his love of learning. Allyn was a man of few words and didn’t volunteer his opinion or advice very often but became a mentor to many. Those words of advice, when received, were true gems of wisdom.
Allyn is survived by his wife, Gail Scoggins Wasser of Pueblo West, CO; his brother and sister-in-law, Clinton W. and Barbara Wasser of Colorado Springs, CO; daughters and sons-in-law, Vonna and Leroy Ortiz of Fayetteville, NC, and Janelle and Larry Varner of Albuquerque, NM; his stepchildren, Clyde and Meg Bailey of Blanket, TX, and Belinda Bailey of Brownwood, TX; and grandchildren, Brian and Jamie Ortiz, Kelly Ortiz, Marcus and Chelsea Varner, and Justin Varner. Allyn’s first wife, Carolyn West Wasser and his brother Edward H. Wasser preceded him in death.
Cremation services were provided by Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Association of Woodturners, ATTN: Russ Dewey, 687 S. Hahns Peak Ave., Pueblo West, CO 81007 or one of two scholarship funds established in the names of Allyn’s parents: Lillian Quine Wasser Scholarship, c/o CSU Pueblo Foundation, 2200 Bonforte Blvd., Pueblo, CO 81001 or Clinton H. Wasser Scholarship (46445), c/o Colorado State University Foundation, PO Box 1870, Ft. Collins, CO 80522.
Online condolences can be submitted at www.MontgomerySteward.com
Katie Brayden
970-491-0993
Established 1996
Clinton H. Wasser Scholarship (46445), c/o Colorado State University Foundation
PO Box 1870
Ft. Collins, CO, 80522
Sorry I am just learning of Allyn’s death. I lost contact with him soon after the death of his first wife, Carolyn. She was my cousin. My condolences to his family.
It is with much pleasure to have known Allyn. A mutual friend of both Allyn and Gayle referred me to them as a housekeeper. It’s been 9 wonderful years with them. He was simple, solid and thoughtful. I can remember seeing him standing in the garage turning wood. End results bowels and bracelets were made. Very intrigued. I’m happy to say that I got some of his fine bowels and bracelets. A reminder of his hard work and the dedication. Wishing the family memories that ease your loss and love that heals your sadness 😔 💜🙏
God bless and comfort his family. I’ve never seen anyone who was a better gardener. ❤️
Allyn has been a close neighbor and friend for many years. We’ve always enjoyed our backyard view of his beautiful garden. Every year we hopefully anticipated Spring with the blooming of his gorgeous bright red and pink poppies along with the sweet smell of his flowering cherry tree. He was ever ready for a backyard chat over the fence. Tony enjoyed helping him build a retaining wall. He was resilient and non complaining during his illness. We will miss him greatly.
Allyn will be greatly missed. I am saddened by his passing. Although we were not in contact very much, he was thought of regularly. His bowls are cherished and I was blessed to get several. I think of him whenever I see them. It was sad when he became unable to fish. I loved to hear his fishing stories. His ability to make his Pueblo West home into a garden was always an amazement. I wish God’s love and comfort over the whole family.
Sincerely, Karen Brooks Rhea
I met Allyn and Carolyn at First Presbyterian Church where I worked with Carolyn. Allyn and I continued to visit after on an irregular basis.
I first met Allyn when I started to attend the Pueblo Woodturners meetings in 2012. At my initial attendance members came in and socialized with each other but left me feeling uncomfortable and out of place. But Allyn came over to me, asked where I lived and when I told him he said ” I only live a mile away from you, come over any time”. That made the difference between becoming more involved with the group or not. I did go over to his house and he was an excellent teacher and wood turner who shared his knowledge and expertise willingly with anyone that asked. I have always appreciated that first meeting and his friendship and the difference it made for me. He will be missed by all of us who knew him and shared time with him. May he rest in peace.