If there was ever a story of a life that is to be celebrated as opposed to mourning, that would be the story of Willis Allen. My heart goes out to all of the family for their tremendous loss, but at the same time, how fortunate we all have been to know the man.

I have always admired his love of horses and his genuine interest of young players in the game of polo. Several years back, Willis agreed to have a trophy named after him, that would honor a young player who possessed all the elements of a true sportsman. The elements were horsemanship, gamemanship, malletwork, and above all, sportsmanship.

I was also gifted to have played at Lakeside this past year along with Willis. It was the first opportunity that I had to witness the routine Willis had to continue to participate in the sport that he so loved in his golden years. I sat and listened to his wonderful stories at his tackroom, and then witnessed his ceremony of mounting up onto his thoroughbred pony. Horse placed appropriately for ease of mount, and the mallet hanging on a well placed nail on route to the arena.

In the chukker, I tried to get the ball to Willis, only to have Willis immediately set me back up for a run to goal. It was an honor to receive an assist from a living legend.

I was so touched to hear the story of Willis's dream to be a polo pro, but then realized if he were to capture the heart of his long time wife and partner, Ruth, he was going to have to get a better paying job. The rest is history. A wonderful history, that the families will be able to cherish.

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to know Willis-he always had kind words and wonderful stories. - Tom Goodspeed

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Willis, my friend--

While watching polo games on Sundays, I enjoyed our many conversations. The stories you told me of your adventures in Tijuana, Mexico, when you got your start insuring racehorses down there, amazing stuff!!! Also, the stories about your ranch in Tecate, like the day the Federales came to the ranch with a very bad attitude looking to take someone to jail, and you ended up drinking tequila and fishing in the ranch pond!! Thank you for the advice you so kindly gave me. It made a difference. Well my friend, I know that you are starting this new adventure with the same courage and determination that you displayed on all your efforts. But above all, I am sure you are happy and having a good time. - Bernie Diaz

If you would like to post a personal message in memory of Willis Allen on this Virtual Memorial please e-mail your submission to feedback@polobarn.com.

A man we will never forget.  We will always remember the stories and advice in between the chukkers.  If you ever got to play with him at Lakeside Polo Club or anywhere you could always tell how much he loved the game.  Truly he looked better on a horse than he did walking around.  He was never afraid to go into a play at 93.  I remember going down the field about a month ago and I was going full out down the field and he was right there next to me trying to ride me off.  It scared the crap out of me, but he always knew that he knew what he was doing.  At Lakeside also before every chukker he would ride up to me and say "you have to tell me where the ball is because I cant see it as well anymore."  And always before a big game right when is was starting to play in like the four goal he would always ask "Now how many times have you gone to the bathroom." Then he would tell me that when he was younger and just starting out that he was so nervous he would have to go to the bathroom.  I don't know just one of those stories.  Another thing that I will never forget is his tail.  He could always get you the ball if he was hitting a tailshot.  I know that the people that knew him will never forget him and his funny stories even if you heard them 3 or 4 times.  We will always love you Willis and you are not going to be forgotten. -Chris Collins Jr.

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Willis Allen was an inspiration to all of us at the Lakeside Polo Club. I am proud that he honored us with his last game. We called each other "dirty blue" and "dirty red" that day. He was in great spirits and never gave up. Willis always loved to have a couple of girls on his team. We would have to tell him where to send the ball because he couldn't turn his head far enough to see us. He was a master of the game and a true gentleman as well as a great polo trickster. The ball always seemed to come to him and he would pass it up to us so that we could score. Bill encouraged me to follow my dream and buy White Horse Ranch. He egged me on when it seamed impossible. He blamed his success on Polo and all the horses and land this great sport made him purchase. He told great stories about getting into trouble in Haleiwa Hawaii with people that still brighten at the mention of his name. Willis is loved and will be greatly missed. -Susan Harris

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Memorial to Willis Allen - A rookie’s perspective:  The first day I met Willis was at Lakeside just a few short months ago.  He did not know me from Adam, but we ended up talking for about an hour in-between chukkas about Polo on the beach at La Jolla Shores (at low tide), Polo in the So. Pacific in WWII, polo in Hawaii, horses, and even a few jokes.  It was easy to have an immediate feeling of connection.  His demeanor was very warm and down to earth.  He made me feel like I was his old friend.  I knew he was special before I knew any of his accomplishments and contributions to polo and to San Diego.  As a new comer to the sport, the most impressionable impact I received from him that day was that he made me feel like an equal and that even I, a nobody, was vital to the sport.  Now I have the gift to say I played with such a gentleman. -   Michael "Spike" Speltz

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Willis will always have a special place in my heart.  He and his family have been very dear to me since I met them all back in 1990.  I’ve admired him in many ways.  It was through real estate and polo that I knew him best among his many endeavors. He is a legend.  Thank you Willis, for your smiles, laughter, guidance and your love to the world.  You have made a positive difference for all of us. - Carrington Kingsley 

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My husband and I have had the honor on many occasions to play with Willis in Lakeside.  I personally enjoyed Willis’s great humor and spirit!  When I first met Willis it was out in Lakeside.  After a brief conversation, I mentioned to him that my Great Grandfather donated the trophy for the Spreckels Cup.  He then mentioned to me that he had met my Great Grandfather many years back.  I was completely taken back that I was, “actually talking to someone that had met my grandfather.”  Willis mentioned that he was in his teens at the time.  He played polo in front of the Hotel Del Coronado and that is how they met.  I feel truly honored to have had a friendship with Willis. 

I mentioned to my husband the other day that I really look up to families like Willis Allen’s.  I hope that someday I am able to look back upon the legacy I have left, just as my friend Willis has done!  God Bless you and your family.  - Jessica Burch (Spreckels Family)  

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If you would like to post a personal message in memory of Willis Allen on this Virtual Memorial please e-mail your submission to feedback@polobarn.com.