The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

John Allen passed away at Regency Prineville after a long illness.

John was born in Detroit, Michigan, and the family moved to Halifax, Virginia, when he was 5 years old.

He lived there until he was drafted in World War II. He was a Pharmacist’s Mate in the Navy and was assigned to the U.S. Naval Receiving Hospital in San Francisco, California. When he was discharged, he went to Southern California and enrolled in Los Angeles State College majoring in human relations. After graduation, he went to work for Orange County as a probation officer. In 1963 he became Assistant Chief Probation Officer in Oroville, Butte County, California.

When he retired, he began his life of volunteering. He belonged to the Kiwanis Club, started a Key Club at Paradise High School, taught ski lessons through parks and recreation, and participated in Earth Day. He enjoyed downhill skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, bike-riding, sailing, canoeing and ballroom dancing. He also enjoyed reading.

John and his wife, Jan, moved to Sisters in 1993. John immediately became involved in the community. In 1994 he found out that there wasn’t going to be Earth Day observed in Bend and so he initiated a small observance. He was a volunteer ranger for the Sisters Ranger District one summer. His assignment was North & South Mathieu Lake and Square Lake. He enjoyed doing things that helped the environment around him.

John is survived by his wife of 50 years; his sons Carey, Keith and Kent; two grandchildren and one great grandchild.

At his request, no services will be held.