John ‘AJ’ Allen was born on July 7, 1951 in San Francisco, California to Alfred and Emma Allen. One week later the family moved to San Diego where John grew up. John was the oldest of his three brothers, Dave, Danny and Chris.

Growing up in San Diego, he fell in love with surfing and it remained a passion of his into adulthood. He also spent many blissful days catching waves in Mexico with family and friends.

After serving in the Army, John married Mary, the love of his life, on July 6, 1974.They were married for over 51 years and raised two daughters, Brooke and Maddie who were the joy of his heart.

The day after they were married John started his firefighting career at Naval Training Center in San Diego. Three years later he was hired by the San Diego City Fire Department and served there for 30 years. He was promoted to Engineer which he said was the best job on the Department. He loved being a firefighter especially fighting wild land fires and working at the fire station at Pacific Beach. He was a color guard for the San Diego Firefighters bagpipe band, The Emerald Society.

He experienced life to the fullest: surfing, river rafting, snorkeling and whatever adventure drew him in. He took many friends and family on his own raft, navigating the Payette River for over 10 years. His greatest river rafting adventure was on the Main Salmon, being off the grid for 6 days. He also loved riding his red Harley Davidson motorcycle, a retirement gift to himself. He was an exceptional firehouse cook. Mary talked him into helping her make ‘Family Dinner’ each week for 12-15 of her Idaho relatives.

He and Mary took many trips after John’s retirement: Hawaii, Mexico, a river Cruise on the Rhine with friends just to name a few. He loved his ‘patch of dirt’ in Donnelly where he and Mary enjoyed spending time in their trailer. He said he never grew tired of the scenic drive to Donnelly.

He touched the lives of all who met him with kindness, cheerfulness, and humor. He was always willing to help a neighbor, friend, family member or stranger. He made friends wherever he went. His life was filled with many incredible stories and his ability to regale a crowd with his lively accounts had everyone in tears of laughter.

John fought a valiant fight against his cancer, remaining positive and knowing the outcome was in God’s hands.

The void his death creates will be filled with the voices of stories shared and thousands of precious memories.

John is survived by his loving wife, Mary, his daughters Brooke (Travis) and Madeleine, his granddaughter Isabelle and his brothers, Dave, Danny and Chris.