Ex-Oakdale water chief Allen Holbrook dies at 98

By EMILIE RAGUSO
eraguso@modbee.com

last updated: October 23, 2007 04:19:56 AM

Allen Clement Holbrook, the area's oldest Eagle Scout and a man who was instrumental in locating the dam sites for Oakdale's Tri-Dam Project, died Oct. 16 at his home at Casa de Modesto. He was 98.

Mr. Holbrook was the retired water superintendent of the Oakdale Irrigation District. He started working for the district in 1937 as a draftsman, drawing surveys and plat books, which show the lots and legal subdivisions of an area. During his tenure, he drew a map of the district that was used at least until 1974.

The Boy Scouts of America recognized Mr. Holbrook's lifelong support of the group. He served for many years as a Scout leader in Riverbank and Oakdale and was on the executive board of the Boy Scouts' Yosemite Area Council, which serves several counties.

He and his late wife, Frances, were partners at Holbrook's Fabrics and Linens in Riverbank.

Mr. Holbrook moved to Riverbank in 1913 from Hemet. He attended Riverbank Grammar School and Oakdale High School, graduating in 1927.

Mr. Holbrook is survived by his son, Allen H. Holbrook and daughter, Barbara A. Morten-sen, both of Modesto, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.

Remembrances may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, 95356; Casa de Modesto, 1745 El Dena Way, Modesto, 95350; and Boy Scouts of America Greater Yosemite Council, 431 Technol-ogy Way, Salida, 95356.

Bee staff writer Emilie Raguso can be reached at eraguso@modbee.com or 578-2235.

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