Allen McBride

Allen McBride, 100, died at home in Redlands of age-related natural causes on August 3, 2022. Eric Harold and Maisie Phyllis “Zoe” Payne McBride were visiting the United States from their home in Melbourne, Australia, when their son was born on May 13, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The family returned to Australia with their infant son. Allen’s dual Australian/US citizenship would soon play a significant role in his life. Allen completed an electrician’s apprenticeship while building military aircraft in the early days of World War II. He then renounced his Australian citizenship and joined the US Army in Melbourne. His was a unique boot camp: he was the lone recruit assigned to a sergeant to learn drills and military protocols. During the war he served in New Guinea and the Philippines, attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant and receiving the Bronze Star. Specializing in logistics at the end of his military service, he mustered out of the Army in uniform on a Friday afternoon and returned to the same job on Monday morning wearing civilian clothes. Thus began his 31-year career in the US Civil Service. In the Philippines, Allen married Virginia Peralta Fernandez, whose first husband died in the Bataan Death March. Together they had four sons there. They divorced in the 1970s. The family would travel to several military bases during Allen’s career: Norton; Sacramento; Moses Lake, WA; Thailand; Ogden, UT; and, of course, the Philippines. During his assignment based in Thailand, he “hopped” to all 17 US Air Force bases in Thailand and Viet Nam, providing film and camera equipment in support of reconnaissance efforts in that war. Allen retired from the Civil Service in 1981. He lived the first part of his retirement in Ogden, UT. He returned to Redlands in 1994 to help care for his former wife Virginia during her final illness. He met Michelle Grace Burroughs at Hillside Memorial Park soon thereafter; they were married in 1997 and just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Allen is survived by his wife, Michelle Grace McBride, and his four sons, all of whom reside in California: Rex of La Jolla, Peter of Yucaipa, Bruce (Ralene) of Moorpark, and David (JoAnne) of San Leandro. Allen also leaves four grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. His niece and nephew reside in Australia. Allen donated his body to Science Care, a research and training organization. Learn more at www.sciencecare.com. According to his wishes, there will be no services. Memorial donations could be made to Redlands Friends of Shelter Animals at PO Box 7547, Redlands, CA 92375; Friends of AK Smiley Library at 125 W. Vine Avenue, Redlands, CA 92373; or to a charity of choice. Sunset Funeral Care in Redlands coordinated arrangements with Science Care.

Allen McBride

May 13, 1922 - August 3, 2022