Downey - Allen F. Phair, a longtime Downey resident born June 29, 1925 in Wisconsin, to Fred & Ida Phair, passed away January 7 at age 88. He was a WWII Veteran, having served in the Navy on the USS Suwannee aircraft carrier, surviving multiple enemy bombings during the historic Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippine Sea. Allen was a longtime parishioner of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help Church in Downey, active in the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed swing dancing, snow skiing, and being outdoors in general. After working over 35 years for Tornquist Machinery Co., during which time Allen was named Salesman of the Decade, he retired at age 68 to enjoy travel and family. After a Funeral Mass Jan 17 at OLPH Church, Allen has been laid to rest beside his wife Marianne, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City. Allen is survived by sons Richard, Stephen & Matthew (Veronica) and daughters Leslie Phair, Carolyn Allen and Diane Knudsen (Mark), grandchildren Courtney Allen, Delaney, Lindsey, Kelsey & Jacob Knudsen, and Hannah Phair, as well as brother Lloyd Phair (Latda), also of Downey. ********** Published: Jan. 30, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 42