Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Robert Yeats Allen

Noted designer Robert Yeats Allen died in Fallbrook on May 19, 2008, at the age of 99. His years as an artist encompassed many forms of art. He was a commercial artist, animator, painter, sculptor and product designer.

Bob was born in Chicago on May 14, 1909, and raised in Kansas City before coming to Hollywood in 1933. He worked as an animator/director for Harman-Ising, Warner Brothers and MGM. While at MGM, he helped create many now-famous cartoon characters, including Barney Bear and Tom and Jerry.

Following WWII, during which Bob made animated training films for the military, he set up his own product design business in partnership with Melvin Shaw. Over the years, this successful partnership designed everything from earthenware for Metlox Poppytrail dinnerware to toys for Tupperware and Plakie.

A number of their dinnerware patterns are now collectible antiques and many remember the toy they designed for Tupperware, the Zoo It Yourself. Allen-Shaw’s design of the Howdy Doody puppet is probably the one which has received the most attention, but it was only one of a multitude of product designs created by this talented team.

In 1963, Bob and his beloved wife, Marie, moved to Julian. He loved Julian and he was loved in return, known by all as “Grampa Bob.” Marie died in 1990 and, in 2001, ill health made it necessary for Bob to move to Fallbrook, where he continued to charm all he met with his wit and smile.

Bob is survived by his daughter Karen and husband Walt Parry; daughter Pam and husband Tom Green; grandchildren Kathryn Oliveira, Deborah Blair, Julie Snapper, Douglas Parry and Robert Ardell; and great-grandchildren Jennifer and Rachel Blair, John and Christina Oliveira, Kaitlyn and Amanda Lodge and Ayden Hofius.

A Celebration of Life will be held at his former home in Julian (date to be determined).

 

Reader Comments(0)

 
 
Rendered 03/28/2024 20:13