John Allen

John Jay Allen Wenatchee, WA John Jay Allen, a Wenatchee native, passed away on June 15, 2016, at the age of 82 in Wenatchee. John is survived by his wife, Char; by his children, David (Cheri) of East Wenatchee; Jeff of Seattle; and Kristy of Wenatchee; by his grandchildren, Chelsea, Kyle, Nick, Evan and Ava; and by his brother, Gordon (JoAnn) of Mukilteo. John was born February 15, 1934, the son of Jay and Helen Allen. After graduating from Wenatchee High School in 1951, John attended Wenatchee Valley College, and earned his Bachelor's degree from Washington State University. He was a proud member of Sigma Nu Fraternity and kept in close touch with many of his brothers. He then served in the U.S. Army at Fort Holabird in Baltimore from 1956-58. It also was during this time period that John, incomplete address in hand, went door-to-door in a Baltimore neighborhood to locate his blind date. Not only did he find where Charlotte Ickes lived that evening, but he ended up marrying her in 1960. Then John began teaching at Baltimore City College, a position he would hold until 1975. It was during this time that he earned his master's from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. John was a life-long student, particularly of our nation's rich history. He relished his time on the East Coast, especially Gettysburg where he retraced the historical battle many times. In 1975, the family moved to Wenatchee to operate Allen Furniture, by then located in East Wenatchee. John was known for being fair & honest - a trait that he shared with his father Jay. His clever humor and love of puns, came to be known by many as "Johnisms." He was a dedicated member of the East Wenatchee Rotary, a service club he belonged to for over 40 years. He was recognized for his support and awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Medal. In 1999, John retired from Allen Furniture and spent much time walking his dogs, cross-country skiing, sailing and entertaining others at the family cabin, on Lake Wenatchee. John never really retired in the true sense of the word. He soon returned to one of his first loves - teaching - as a substitute in history and English at Eastmont High School. He spent many hours reading non-fiction books, mostly history, satisfying his unending thirst for knowledge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John to the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society or the Cougar Athletic Fund. John was the ultimate Cougar fan & as they say, "once a Cougar, always a Cougar." Join us at the Wenatchee Golf and Country Club July 9th from 2-4. Cougars wear your gear, Huskies buy your own beer.

John Allen

February 15, 1934 - June 15, 2016