Allen Jordan Counter

Allen J. Counter passed away at his home in Garden City, Idaho on April 21, 2017. Al was born on October 5, 1918 in Anaconda, Montana to Frank and Margaret Counter. The family moved to Roundup, Montana where they resided until moving to Portland, Oregon in 1924. Al graduated from high school during the Great Depression and worked several jobs including ones at a florist shop, grocery store, service station, chemical plant, and an engraving shop.

Al was employed as a Safety Engineer with the Corps of Engineers in the Portland and Alaska districts. He was involved with several construction projects, including dam construction in the Willamette Valley and along the Columbia River. Al moved to Boise in 1958 where he continued his work as a Safety Engineer in the insurance industry until his retirement at age 63.

Al enjoyed a little fishing and hunting and loved to ski at Mt. Hood and in Sun Valley. He enjoyed music and also played in and directed small dance bands early in his life. He had his own dance band named “The Starduster’s”, which performed at Mt. Hood and around the Portland area. Al also loved to listen to Gospel music every day and did so until the end of his life. Al and his wife Eva enjoyed many activities together including attending the Dixieland Music Festivals in Boise and Sun Valley, and collecting and restoring antiques.

Al is survived by his wife of 51 years, Eva Counter and his two children, Steve (Diane) Counter and Joanie (Steve) Stearns. He is also survived by his five grandchildren, Marissa (Mitchell) Evans, AJ (Ally) Counter, Misty Stearns, Steve Stearns, and Corey Stearns. He was preceded in death by his sister, Alene Thurber.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and the St. Luke’s Hospice staff for their compassion and care. The family would also like to thank Stephanie Trail and Cindy Trail for their care, support, and love to Al and Eva.

A graveside service is scheduled at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens located at 4225 E. Fairview Ave., Meridian, ID 83642 at 1:00 p.m. on April 28, 2017. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Idaho Humane Society at 4775 W. Dorman St., Boise, ID 83705.