I will always remember Willis Allen for his good humor, love of polo and as a good friend to everyone. I first met Willis at Lakeside Polo Club when I took my grandkids, Shane & Danika Rice to some kids polo chukkers. When Willis saw how much they loved Polo, he told me the only way they were going to get to be good polo players was to have a horse that already knew polo. He sent us to his ranch in Julian to pick up “Cookie” a great polo pony he had purchased from Tommy Wayman, played and then retired her to pasture. He said when the kids are done with her, take her back to the Ranch & we will do the same for my great grandkids when they are ready. Cookie never made it back to the ranch as she won the hearts of all my grandkids, teaching them not only polo but how to love and care for horses. Willis knew what the kids needed and made sure they got what they needed because to him all polo players were family. Willis was honored by the Polo Hall of Fame in 2003, being presented with the Iglehart Award. Both he and Joe Rizzo received the award in 2003 and both pasted away this year. Willis has many Polo friends all over the world, written about in several books and won many polo games but the thing he valued most was the friends he made playing polo. We will miss you Willis but you will always remain with us in all the fond memories you provided. Keep the polo fields green up there and the ponies ready – we will see you again. - Russ Sheldon. Sad news; but, what a wonderful time we all had at the Polo Museum ceremony honoring individuals such as Willis and my father Joe. They were honored in their lifetimes - for all the good they did for polo and so many people. Who can ask for anything more...? (Except for maybe a bit more time with these remarkable people) - Peter Rizzo As a new member of The San Diego Polo Club I never had the chance to meet Mr. Allen. I only heard great things said about him. May God give strength to the family now during these very sad times. My condolences to the Allen and Collins families, Warm Regards - Alisha Gerard 
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There are no words to describe Willis in a way that is adequate enough to show his amazing heart and love as a person in this world. Growing up, he was one of the people that I knew I'd see every weekend either at Lakeside, Poway or San Diego Polo Clubs. He was everywhere! And I loved it. He was always there with his bigger than life smile, a warm hug and a kiss to show you that he cared. When I was 9, he gave me my first horse, a mare named Cookie, that to this day I treasure more than any other polo pony I have had. Willis knew that she would teach me well, and that she did. I can attribute much of my ability to following the ball to her, as she follwed whether I did or not. As I grew up, Willis was always a coach and a friend, whether we were playing together, against each other, or whether he was simply watching from the sidelines. He taught me that the competition itself was not important; it was how you played the game. Any young player that he could impact, he jumped at the opportunity to share his infinite wisdom. Any person who has had the honor of recieving the Willis Allen Award in San Diego knows what sportmanship, talent and love for the game that you have to have, all thanks to Willis's influence. And Willis exemplified it all. He was there to support Poway as an interscholastic team for my four years of high school, and again when Chris played with Jared this year, he was there when the 4 generations of his family played the 3 generations of mine....he was that constant force in Southern CA polo, one that will be sorely missed. His laugh, and the joy and advice he brought to us all is amazing. His family exhibits all the strengths that he brought out in all of us, and my love, thoughts and prayers are with you all right now. I can only hope that one day I have made as big of a difference in the lives of so many through a sport that I love. Willis will never be forgotten, he made an permenant imprint in my heart far too long ago. We love you Willis, and all my love to Chris, Christopher and Harry and your families. -Danika Rice Willis Allen has helped my family so much with polo that words can not come close to expressing my gratitued. He gave us the best gift of a horse named "Cookie". Many of you saw Shane, Danika, Jared and many other children getting their start playing polo on that horse. To this day, the best polo I have ever played was with Willis at Lakeside Polo Club. We all would be laughing during the chukkers, having the best time and telling me I reminded him of his grandaughter. I will cherish the memories of playing with him along with his family. The video of the Allen/Collins 4 generations playing the 3 generations of Sheldons will be one of my most valued treasures. His sponsorship of the Willis Allen Award at the San Diego Polo Club to promote sportsmanship along with playing ability for the young players hopefully will live on. Willis, I hope you and Cookie are now playing polo in heaven together. Look for those special polo balls that are marked with yours and Cookie's names. Love - Sherry Sheldon
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