Obituary of John Thomas Allen

May 31, 1944 – Staffordshire, England

November 17, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

 

John Allen, beloved husband of Caroline Allen (Snell), of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 17, 2022, at the age of 78 years.

 

John was born in Staffordshire, England, on May 31, 1944. He married Caroline in 1966, in Staffordshire, England. A year later, they decided to emigrate to Canada to start their new life together in Calgary, AB. 

 

John joined the Calgary Police Service in 1974 at the young age of 30.  John accomplished much throughout his life and was particularly proud of providing service to the citizens of Calgary with the CPS for 25 years.  He was very proud that he was able to continue his education through the University of Calgary, while working full time and raising a family.  He was also very proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. 

 

John and his twin brother Ray were inseparable as children.  They were mischievous and again, John always shared his memories of their youth and their time together.

 

John had a passion for spending time outdoors, especially bike riding and motorbikes, golfing, camping, hunting, skiing, or going for walks up Nose Hill with his faithful companions of many years, Taffy and Lucky. He loved spending time in his garage, fixing and puttering, making sure his truck was always in good running condition for the long-haul down South. 

 

John was a police officer until the day he passed.  He held the core values and instilled them in his family. Honesty, Integrity, Ethics, Respect, Fairness and Compassion, Courage and Commitment. We would always laugh, as you could never open a camping cooler without a bell ringing, you could never borrow a tool without unlocking it first, he would be the one sitting in a restaurant facing the door to observe all those that entered, motion lights everywhere and if anybody could tell us who the “corner house laddie” is, we would appreciate it. 

 

John mostly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always the one entertaining everyone with his many stories. He was well known for having a talent of turning any event into a great story for all to enjoy.  John had a special way of engaging people and was liked by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

 

John had many memorable vacations over the years with Caroline and family at one of his favorite places, Keller Ferry in Washington, where they enjoyed camping along the shores of Lake Roosevelt. John and Caroline quickly realized Lake Life and the people there, were where he wanted to spend his vacation time. Later in life when the kids were older, John and Caroline enjoyed plenty of cruises and spending winters as snowbirds at their property in Hemet, California where John met many new friends and was happy to entertain all with his stories and great sense of humor.

 

John also had a passion for guns, going to “church” (shooting range) on most Sundays with his son Jonathan who he often referred to as “Slick”.  He recently sent Slick to the store to purchase a new toy and the grin on his face will forever be remembered. 

 

John loved watching westerns and the History channel.  One of John’s quotes was one he remembered from the movie Platoon “keep your pecker hard and your powder dry”. Again, John had a great sense of humor. He would watch his shows, perched at his bar, in the “trenches”, as Caroline would say, watching the history channel. Then, at dinner time making sure he shared all that he learned with the family, history was always a topic to be discussed. It was very important for John, making sure never forgotten and lessons learned.

 

John will always be remembered for his sense of humor, kindness and love for family and life.  

 

Besides his loving wife Caroline, John is survived by his three children, Craig (Angelique) of Lake Country, BC, Julie (Jamie), Jonathan (Tia) all of Calgary, AB; his 6 grandchildren, Emily, Kian, Darius, Liberty, Austin and Kayden. 

 

John is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen and her husband Tony Walmsley of Preston, England; his niece Cathy (Carl); as well as many extended friends and family residing in the UK. 

 

John was predeceased by his fraternal twin brother Ray Allen, who passed away at the young of age of 32, due to complications of Multiple Sclerosis; his father, John (Jack) Allen and mother, Lily Allen all of Staffordshire, England.

 

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of The Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join John’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

 

As John loved bright colours, and always held dear in his heart, his fellow comrades, we ask that you wear blue or a colour of your choice. 

 

In lieu of flowers, if you so choose, you may make a donation to the MS Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca  or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

 

In living memory of John Allen, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

 

Click Here to View John Allen's Memorial Card

 

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