Allen Anthony Dalve

It is with solemn hearts and enduring affection that we record the passing of Allen Anthony (Mast) Dalve, known to many simply as Al, who departed this life on the thirteenth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, at thirty-eight minutes past the hour of midnight, in Great Falls, Montana. He was in the sixty-eighth year of his life. His earthly journey concluded following a head injury sustained when he fell from his bike. Surgical intervention proved impossible owing to multiple heart ailments with which he had contended since 2023. After a prolonged and steadfast struggle, these afflictions claimed him.

Allen was born on the first of May 1958, and was reared in the city of Great Falls, Montana, where the broad skies and steadfast plains shaped the independent spirit that would mark his days. Allen was the grandson of Robert Alden Mast and Sarah Edna Younce of Boone, North Carolina, and of Helen Lottie Harthun and Lee Everett Clapshaw of Minnesota. His mother, Betty Lou Clapshaw, was united in marriage to Maynard Anthony Dalve, the good man who raised Allen and whom he called “Dad.” His biological father was Jack Frank (Mast) Winebarger of North Carolina and Idaho.

Allen was a half-brother to Kelly (Thatious) Glen-Singer of Napa, Idaho, Mike Boiles of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Richard Buffington of Post Falls, Idaho, Jacky Crame of Texas, Cindy Lanard of Cody, Wyoming, Scott Cleaveland of Tacoma, Washington, Carol Ann Dalve of Great Falls, Debra Kay Dalve of Washington, Catherine Mary Dalve and Duane Dalve, all of Great Falls.

In the course of his life, Allen fathered five children, Chad Nester of Mandigo, Texas, RexAnn R. Mast of Georgia, Leif Buland and Christina Gean Dalve of Montana, and Adam Anthony Dalve; and in Allen's own candid words, “possibly more.” He leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren; together with a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins who shall remember him with fondness.

Allen was, above all, an individual who lived life upon his own terms and marched steadfastly to the beat of his own drum. He possessed a very kind heart and was a man of moral principle, though, like all of us, he was not without his imperfections. Allen found a loving joy in bestowing small tokens of care, objects of little monetary worth, yet rich in thoughtfulness upon those he held dear. Allen was not a man of wealth, but he was generous with what he had. If he saw anyone struggling worse off than him, he would help how he could and never spoke of such deeds. On more than one occasion he gave away the very shoes from his feet to the one who had none.

By trade Allen was a tree trimmer and the proprietor of his own tree trimming business. He always dreamed of being a pilot.

He lived fast and did much in his life. He was a ladies’ man and wanted the best for all of his children's moms. He gave his life to Jesus before he passed. It was important to him that he did.

He was, for a time, married to Lisa, mother of his youngest son, Adam, and together they resided in Washington state. She and Adam preceded Allen in death.

Allen may not have left behind earthly fortune for any to dispute over. Yet the very blood he bequeathed to his children was the inheritance of hard work, perseverance, moral high ground, and fierce independence qualities written into their DNA and carried forward in them is priceless in and of itself.

Allen took care of his own cost to lay to rest. Half of his ashes taken by Allen's oldest daughter, RexAnn R. Mast will be buried in his Mast-Taylor family cemetery in Valley Cruises, NC. Allen's youngest daughter Christina Gene Dalve will take the other half at her request.

If you want to contribute, the family just asks that you hold your loved ones close, enjoy them, and forgive them quickly, because you never know when it will be the last time you see them.

May you rest in the peace, dad, that you sought, and may the memory of your quiet kindness endure.