Fred Allan Softball Complex

LOWER MAKEFIELD – The board of supervisors passed a resolution that renames the softball fields at Oxford Roelofs Park in memory of Fred Allan.

Allan, 60, a coach and chairperson for the girls’ softball division of Pennsbury Athletic Association (PAA), passed away on March 25, 2012 after courageously battling prostate cancer. He often worked the concession stands at the field and coached girls’ basketball as well.

His leadership left an indelible mark on Lower Makefield.

 “I am very pleased to do this,” said Chairman Pete Stainthorpe of Allan, “and I feel he will always be a part of the community, especially for those of us who knew him so well. This will make him a part of the community even after some of us aren’t around anymore.”

A number of Allan’s immediate family and close friends attended the Wednesday, May 2 meeting.

The recreation facility, upon immediate passage, was designated as “Fred Allan Complex” a fitting tribute Stainthorpe noted.

Allan served as a member of the board of supervisors from October 18, 1999 to December 31, 2001 and was instrumental in the development of the softball complex, which houses three diamonds, two bocce courts and a picnic and restroom facility.

Stainthorpe recognized Allan for his tremendous impact on the community and is happy to see this project, which he said will “last in perpetuity.”

Newly-elected supervisor Dobby Dobson echoed Stainthorpe’s sentiments, explaining that his impact is seen township wide.

“I know he’s up there looking down on us,” Dobson said, “and he always had a saying that ‘every day is a holiday.’ I’m in total support of this [measure].”

Former supervisor Greg Caiola, now commissioner of PAA, threw his full support behind the measure, praising Allan for his altruism. He said PAA will kick in $250 to erect new signage for the balls fields.

Allan helped organize the Christine McCaffrey Community Emergency Fund in 2004 after a fire severely damaged the McCaffrey’s Supermarket, which helped store owner Jim McCaffrey provide health benefits for his employees.

 The fund was named after Jim McCaffrey’s wife, who passed away a few months prior to the fire. It received an outpouring of support and witnessed extreme success, raising $250,000 in its first year of operation.

“This is an outstanding recognition for a man with a big heart, so I thank you for this,” McCaffrey addressed the board.

Fred’s youngest child, Janine, thanked the supervisors for acknowledging her father’s last impression on the township.

“I have the best memories of my dad at those fields and I hope that many other girls can share similar memories,” she told the board. “I miss my dad every day, so I appreciate you all doing this.”

The motion passed unanimously. Supervisor Stainthorpe also included that the township will hold a ceremony to unveil the signage and officially introduce the fields as Fred Allan Complex.

Originally publshed by Bucks Local News, May 3, 2012