Allen Ryan Charles Brenna

Allen Ryan-Charles Brenna, born Charles Richard Bespole, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025, in St. George, Utah, at the age of 74 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s. He was born on June 12, 1950, to Charles and Helen Bespole in Chicago, Illinois. Allen graduated from Downers Grove South High School in 1968. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Luther College in 1972 after attending Suomi College in Michigan and George Williams College in Illinois. He pursued his passion for art at The American Academy of Art in Chicago. He was best known professionally as an Artist Representative, although his career spanned various fields. In 1974, he married Kari Yung and had two children. He later married Emelene Barna in Naperville, IL. in 2002, both retired in St. George, Utah. 

Allen is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 23 years Emelene Barna; his children, Graham (Allyson) and Margot (Mike); his grandchildren, Hailey, Owen, and Selene, his sister Marilyn (Scott) Bradley, and many nieces and nephews.

His children’s favorite memories with him include swimming, biking, rollerblading, playing with Lego and Barbies, making pizzas, and sharing his lifelong passions: art, architecture, comedy, music, and animals. He often shared laughs over Robin Williams, Monty Python, The Simpsons, and Seinfeld. And with a quick wit, Allen always had a clever comeback or retort ready. Allen created many pastel abstracts and admired the works of other artists and illustrators. His eclectic taste in music spans many genres. As an admirer of architecture, he was particularly fond of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie School style and Organic Designs. He cared for many animals throughout his years; his childhood dog Lisa, and many beloved cats who held a special place in his heart. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: PAWS Adoption Center 1125 W 1130 N Saint George, Utah 84770 (stgeorgepaws.org) or Pathway Hospice & Palliative Care 1240 E 100 S, Suite 17B Saint George, Utah 84790 (pathwayhospicecare.com) in Allen’s memory. 

We are grateful for the support and love from friends and family during this difficult time and we find joy in the laughter Allen brought to those he loved. As Eric Idle so wisely said, “Always look on the bright side of life.”