Read Mr. T Allen Sunde's Obituary & Leave Condolences (2024)

T Allen's obituary

Thomas Allen Sunde, known as Allen or Al, of Belmont, California, transitioned peacefully in his home on Wednesday, the 8th of May, 2024.

Allen was born Allen Lee Lund in 1943 in Lunds Valley, North Dakota. He was adopted and lovingly raised by Trygve and Thelma Sunde with his brother, Truman Sunde, in Hannah, North Dakota, near the U.S.-Canada border. He received his education in a quaint schoolhouse in Hannah before becoming a boarding student at Oak Grove High School in Fargo.

After completing high school, Allen attended Concordia College in Moorhead, North Dakota, with his brother Truman (Carole). He joined the Air Force shortly thereafter and was stationed as a Radar Operator in Crescent City, California. Following his service, he relocated to San Jose, CA, where he met his beloved wife, Elizabeth Vargas Sunde. They married in San Salvador in January, 1969 and shared 55 incredibly loving years of marriage. They settled in Belmont, blessed with two daughters: Lisa Marie Sunde and Kristen Lynn Sunde (Paul Trask).

Allen dedicated 33 years of his professional life to United Airlines, where he worked as a Lead Rampservice and DTS Station Fueling Trainer — impacting the lives of innumerable United rampservice men and women throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. He always helped the little guy, and if he saw someone struggling, he was their biggest champion.

His contributions within his department were significant. In the 1980s he developed early computer programs for the ramp at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In 1994, when the Boeing 777 debuted, he became the go-to specialist for United fueling teams in handling fueling and safety requirements. He’s accredited by his peers for his systematic training approach which guided the global standard for Fueling Safety and Operations within United Airlines.

Allen left behind a legacy of professionalism, kindness, mentorship, and dedication to specialized skills when he retired in 2002.

In addition to his career at United Airlines, Allen enjoyed his expertise as a computer programmer, tax accountant, and machinist. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. His love of travel took him and Elizabeth to many destinations worldwide. He was as passionate about U.S. history, geography, current events, and the American experience as he was about aeronautics. He was obsessed with Jeopardy! He delighted in puzzles, crosswords, cards, and gaming of many varieties. Allen was active in the charitable community of the Maria Goretti Auxiliary, an organization dedicated to assisting those in need in El Salvador. In most recent years, Allen and Elizabeth were active members of the Sons of Norway, Vigeland Lodge of Redwood City.

As a father, Allen found joy and took immense pride in his two daughters. He supported their interests and was always amused and present to their creative endeavors. He cherished his daughters deeply and held them close to his heart.

Allen Sunde will be most remembered for his unwavering commitment to family and tradition. After 60 years of researching his lineage, he discovered his birth mother, Alice Lund (d.1992). In 2003 he was lovingly united with his Lund family, discovering he had several siblings and countless members of extended family. Allen couldn't believe the blessing of finding his birth family in his lifetime. For the past two decades, learning about his blood relations became his favorite pastime. He was filled with gratitude and awe for this beautiful turn of events, made possible by Google and the gentle encouragement of Elizabeth.

In his passing, Allen leaves behind a profound legacy rooted in tradition: a deeply spiritual reverence for family, a devotion to his beloved Elizabeth, an effortless integrity, a commitment to respecting and understanding history, a strong sense of citizenship and patriotism, and an admiration for human ingenuity and technological inventions. His love, dedication, and values will continue to inspire and guide his wife, Elizabeth, his daughters, Lisa and Kristen, his son-in-law, Paul, his siblings, Debbie, Pam, David, Valorie, Margo, and Tamara, as well as his many nephews, nieces, cousins, and their numerous children … and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

All services will be held at:

Skylawn Memorial Park,Route 35 @ Highway 92,San Mateo

May 21st Tuesday

3:30pm – 7:00pm Visitation | Skylawn Pacific Chapel

May 22nd Wednesday

10:00am – 12:00pm Allen's Life Celebration | Skylawn Pacific Chapel

12:00pm Burial | Veterans Garden XIV

1:00pm – 4:00pm Luncheon Reception | Skylawn Funeral Home

Please rsvp to the services within this Ever Loved Platform.

In lieu of flowers, the Sunde family kindly suggests donations to one of Allen’s favorite charities listed below:

Caritas Creek |Changing the world one child at a time

https://www.caritascreek.org/…