August 25, 2021

I am sorry for your loss. Western Christian School (formerly Western Mennonite) will have a Scholarship Banquet on October 16th and we will honor those with ties to Western in the past including Allan that have passed in 2021. Our love and prayers to your family. 
Chad Ahlstrom

August 15, 2021

Dear Ruth Ann and family,  We continue to grieve with you this unexpected loss of Allan.  May each of you know God’s love and peace in this great loss.  Our love and prayers to each of you.  Richard and Ruth Weaver

August 15, 2021

Dear Ruthann, Melissa and Beverly, and all the family —  We have been keeping you all in our prayers the last weeks, as you and we navigate this strange country of cancer.  And now Al has gone on beyond us.  We will miss his cheerful smile, his good questions and conversation, and his strong faith. We pray for all of you the sustaining consolation of God’s love as you grieve and remember.  We are not able to be with you in person, but are with you in spirit.  With love, Bob and Judy Herr
 
 

August 15, 2021

He was a wonderful teacher and friend. Comfort and peace to Ruth Ann, Melissa, and Beverly
Janet Gehman

August 15, 2021

Dear Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Al. He was such a blessing to work with in my years of teaching at LMH. My clearest memory is of his enthusiasm for life, the slight cock of his head and twinkle in his eye as he listened and responded to the world around him and, of course, his inimitable rapid stride. He was so generous with his talents and his love for people. I don’t think he ever met people that he did not want to talk to and listen to their stories. He will be sorely missed.                  Jane Moyer

August 12, 2021

 I was very sad to hear of Allan’s illness and death. Even though our paths rarely crossed, Allan was a stabilizing and anchoring part of my life as my first year roommate at Eastern Mennonite College. I express condolences to his family. Sending my prayers for God’s grace and family and friends to be sufficient during this time of grief. 
Eugene Shelly

August 11, 2021

Very saddened to hear about Mr. Shirks passing. He enriched so many students lives at LMH, mine included, challenging us to grow spiritually, acacdemically, and as young men & women. Condolences and prayers to the family.
Donald Clark

August 08, 2021

Our prayers and condolences to the family as you reflect on Allen’s life and involvement with many people. Barbara (Keener) graduated with him at LMH.  Nevin & Barbara Kraybill

August 05, 2021

Dear family, my most recent memory with your loved one is his reaching out to me after my husband unexpectedly passed away a few years back.  It goes to show how time, distance and friendship does not stop the love and support even though we live 3,000 miles apart and haven’t  seen each other in 10 plus years.  Allan’s love and care truly touched me as he reached out to me….it still makes me tear up today…knowing one more great man is now in Heaven.  I’m hoping he and my husband have already had the chance to give each other a warm hug up there. Love to you always Ruth Ann, Missy, Bev, Annabelle, Glen and family. Julia Gingerich Wasson. 

August 05, 2021

Dear Shirk family – Ruth Ann, Melissa, Beverly, Annabelle, and Darlene, and all of you – Our love and prayers for you.  Thankful for the life of Allan and his love and commitment to his family, his faith and community.  I am thankful that I had the privilege of knowing you when you lived in Oregon.  May the Lord be with you. Love, Rachel Kennel Hickman 

August 05, 2021

Mr. Shirk was always approachable and had a caring heart. He always had a connection with the students particularly students that were in need. The news of his passing is heartbreaking and my sincere condolences are for all the people who knew him. He was more than teacher and I’m thankful that God placed him at LMH and that I got the chance to meet Gods wonderful creation. 
Leonard Royal

August 04, 2021

I have many fond memories of Al and the rest of his family from his time in Oregon as my family went to church with them at times , and I had him as a teacher at Western Mennonite School! I wish you the family the peace of God knowing that Al is not suffering any more but resting and rejoicing at the feet of Jesus.  May you all be comforted in the memories of a life well lived!  My heart does go out to you at this time!
 
Steven Fahndrich

August 04, 2021

My heart is with you as you grieve and remember and celebrate his life. He touched the lives of so many. Much love.
Beth Weaver-Kreider

August 04, 2021

What an incredible legacy he leaves to all those who knew and loved him, as well as the many hundreds of students he taught. They are partying in heaven now, to have received such a soul.
Rachel