Lasting Memories

John Allen
June 6, 1947-March 5, 2016
Palo Alto, California

John Allen, 68, died peacefully at home on March 5, 2016. He was born in Oakland, to Richard Allen, a general surgeon at Stanford, and Elma Robinson Allen, a teacher. He spent his childhood in Palo Alto and Woodside with his family. High school was in Zuoz, Switzerland, where he learned to love sports and developed his wicked sense of humor. He graduated in economics and speech and drama from Stanford in 1970 and went on to enjoy travels and work in Alaska, India, Switzerland and England. He was dedicated to, and excited by, his programming work at the Stanford Cancer Center, and continued working until just before his death.

He enjoyed playing tennis, riding his bike to work and supporting the Warriors and the Giants. He was a friend, coach and mentor to many young people in Palo Alto's sporting community, managing teams for the Palo Alto Soccer Club. Successes included becoming the first from Northern California to play in the super group in the Dallas Cup, winning numerous major tournaments, and enabling 10 players to play in the MLS. His family was his greatest joy, and he always happily attended his sons' tennis, baseball, soccer, and swimming practices and matches. In his gentle loving way he encouraged independent thought, supported dreams and ideas, and was an unwavering and loyal friend. His immense enjoyment of life brought people of all ages from around the world to his dinner table, where the conversation would inevitably turn to philosophy and, as he channeled his inner Larry David, a great deal of laughter. He leaves behind his wife, Margaret; sons, Ben and Tom; stepmother, Willa; and sisters, Lynn, Susan and Merri.