Richard (Dick) Allison

He was a devoted husband and a loving and engaged father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his adoring wife of 71 years, Ethelyn (Lyn) Allison; his children, Amy Gaffney (John) and Denise Culver (Brent); his grandchildren, Chris Culver (Kristine), Matthew Culver, Jordan Culver (Bailey), Katherine Gaffney (Eli Wilson), Annie Gaffney (Rob Fairfax) and Patrick Gaffney; his great-grandchildren, Hayden and Harper Culver; as well as many friends who miss him dearly.

Throughout his life, Dick loved the water (except swimming in it). He loved being able to see and sail all bodies of water. Whether sailboat racing on Chautauqua Lake, traveling with friends to sail the Greek and British Virgin Islands, or just day sailing on the San Diego Bay, he was at home. He brought his love of the ocean to his family, holding his grandchildren’s hands as they jumped the waves, outfitting each with a special boogie boards, playing beach bocce ball and barbecuing hot dogs for beach cookouts. Dick adored his family and throughout his life, made sure he was there for all the grandchildren’s birthdays, graduations, awards, weddings, as well as attending many youth sporting events. He cherished Lyn and would often buy her flowers on his errand runs. He leaves a legacy and life lessons to treat everyone with respect, work hard, enjoy wine together, live by the ocean and love your family.

Dick received his bachelors degree in mechanical engineering in 1955 from Cornell University. It was at Cornell where he met Lyn in their freshman year English class and were married four years later. He served three years in the U.S. Navy, attaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Following his service, Dick joined General Electric Co in multiple manufacturing roles. He held management positions with several companies before joining Cummins Engine Co. of Columbus, IN in 1969 as a director of production.

In 1973, Dick was assigned the full-time task of finding a new expansion facility for the company. After scouring the country for an adequate facility with no acceptable results, he became aware of the availability of the empty Art Metal plant in Busti, NY. By early 1974, Dick had successfully completed a deal for Cummins to purchase the plant. Local and state officials were instrumental in helping package the deal including guarantees for improvements to Baker Street and supply of BPU water. Dick Allison was the principal leader throughout this entire process and unquestionably the main reason Cummins is located here in Jamestown.

Dick was then appointed Plant Manager of the new Busti facility and was responsible for not only starting it up but designing a unique team-based work system. He was very proud of the wonderful and productive employees that made the plant very successful.

Following his leadership of the Jamestown plant, Dick was promoted to Vice President in 1979 and returned to Columbus, IN. He remained with Cummins in Columbus until he retired in 1987. Upon retirement, he and Lyn moved to Del Mar, CA to pursue his love of sailing, tennis, beach bocce ball, traveling and hosting memorable, fun-filled summer beach vacations for his children and grandchildren.

A family Celebration of Life was held Sept. 13 in San Francisco. Donations to the American Heart Association or Scripps Health Foundation/Cardiology in Dick’s name are welcome.