FRANK B. ALLEN JR.
PLACID LAKES, Fla., and DOVER-FOXCROFT - Frank B. Allen Jr., 91, died in the early hours of Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, a great loss to his wife of 72 years, Virgie; and his two sons, Robert and William. Frank was born Feb. 26, 1917, in Rockland, to Frank B. Sr. and Elsie Allen. An entrepreneur, Frank worked most of his life as a manager and operator, and then owner of roller skating rinks in coastal and central Maine. Initially working with his father, Frank B. Sr. and brother, Earle, he moved on to operator and owner. He was among the first in Maine to include special events, features and other forms of entertainment in nightly sessions. He also led the transition from the general use of clamp-on or street skates to today's shoeskate by promoting rentals and individual sales. His programs often included private church group sessions, widespread advertising, newsletters and even transportation from outlying towns to his roller rink. Roller skating entertainment and his family were the joys in his life. Roller skating provided a livelihood, but Frank and Virgie's efforts were well-known and appreciated by the communities they worked and lived in, for the safe, decent, and entertaining environment provided for local children.

As a boy, he learned golf as a caddy on local courses in coastal Maine and maintained his game for many years. As a young man, he raced successfully in statewide championships and in the skating community the couple was known for their roller-dancing grace and style. In later years, he became an avid fishing and hunting outdoorsman, a love that he passed on to his sons. In every season, you could find him with his sons or friends in the Maine outdoors. A very special relationship developed between a grandfather and his grandson, Sandy, as they spent many summers discovering the mountains and lakes of Central Maine. Frank had a very dry wit and frequently gave outrageous names to fishing and hunting buddies as well as special hunting spots or fishing holes, keeping secret the sources of his success. When improvements in fishing or hunting equipment were announced, Frank more than likely already had them, and he held several trophy awards from the Maine Fish & Game Association. Folks vacationing at Greeley's Landing, Sebec Lake, frequently became his second family. During their retirement years, Frank and Virgie found Placid Lakes, a community outside Lake Placid, Fla., and wintered each season there, always returning to their summer home at Greeley's Landing.

He will always be a reminder of great family values and lovingly remembered forever. He will be greatly missed by his five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, family members and friends who knew him well throughout the years. "Frankie," as his wife called him, was a quiet, decent, hardworking man as many from Maine are. Services for Mr. Allen will be arranged in Maine at a later time.

Friends are welcome to call on Mrs. Allen at her home. Please make any offerings in his name to your church or charity. The family greatly appreciates the time and comfort offered by friends in Placid Lakes, Fla.