Allen Baldwin, Lake Elsinore Treasurer, Dies At 83

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Allen Peters Baldwin, longtime Lake Elsinore treasurer, passed away on Jan. 19, 2024, the city shared. "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Allen Peters Baldwin, the City Treasurer of Lake Elsinore," a spokesperson for the city wrote.

"Allen was a friend and mentor. Always in an upbeat mood, he was very wise and has been a great leader in this community in many ways for many years," Mayor Steve Manos wrote on social media. "Our heart goes out to his family. We will miss him dearly."

A message from his family states:

In the early morning hours of January 19, 2024, Allen Peters Baldwin put down his shovel for the last time, peacefully passing surrounded by family, love, and laughter.

He was a loving husband of 57 years to Linda Sue “Holly” Baldwin. He was a devoted father to four, a doting grandfather to ten, and a proud great-grandfather to 11.

Baldwin was a long-time resident of Lake Elsinore, where he served as Treasurer of the City Council. He was a Navy Veteran and was among the founders of Orange County Community Housing/Step Up! program, where he served as executive director for 35 years.

Allen Baldwin spent his life in service to others. In his honor, please do not send flowers, but do an act of service in his name and remember his 3 favorite quotes:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

“Handle it!”

“HAVE FUN OUT THERE!”

According to community members, Baldwin dedicated his career to helping others. Still, in his own words, Allen had this to say reflecting on his work as treasurer in a news release after the last election:

I am proud to have been City Treasurer over the past decade because of the fantastic progress made by our City management team and hardworking City Council. As the founding director of a large nonprofit housing group in Orange County, I've had the benefit of witnessing many municipal governments and our City of Lake Elsinore stands head and shoulders over all those with which I’ve had experience. Experts agree: Our great credit rating is a result of critical
judging our management team, our budget and audit process as well as our governance abilities.... the City rates very well on almost all categories and I am proud to be associated with that team.

Those of you that participate in your neighborhood and community by volunteering know what I’m talking about. Please take the time to use our website and other digital tools.

The City has sailed through big floods, fires, fish kills, poppies and a worldwide pandemic while building a world-class resort (Launch Point) and a great new road (Camino del Norte which will be paid for by businesses that will arise along its shoulders.) You have a great City for which to take pride. Enjoy your City.

with great pride,

Your incumbent City Treasurer, Allen Peters Baldwin

"Allen's commitment to public service was evident in his roles as a Council Member and City Treasurer for the City of Lake Elsinore. His selfless dedication and tireless efforts to better his community are clear in the enduring impact he had on countless lives. He will be fondly remembered for his impactful contributions and devotion to community welfare.

"Allen, we thank you for over 45 years of service to our families. Thank you for creating a legacy that will continue to live on within each of us. We send our condolences to the Baldwin family and thank you for sharing him with us for all these years," the OCCHC wrote in a social media post. "In Allen, we have lost a true champion for the cause of affordable housing and helping the poor. Let us remember and celebrate the impactful work he accomplished. Rest in peace, we will miss you dear friend."

A memorial service honoring his life and the work he conducted for the Orange County Community Housing Corporation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Hangar 244 at The Great Park in Irvine, Parking Lot 2 or 3. RSVP is requested.

*Please note - Hangar 244 is an outdoor venue with covering