John Francis Allard passed away on May 18, 2015 at the age of 101 in his home of over 40 years in South Gate, CA. His life began over a century ago on November 21, 1913 in Soldier, KS. During these 101 years, he proved to be a loving son, brother, husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad and friend to anyone in which he crossed paths. He is survived by his son, Mark Allard, his daughter, Judy Astamendi, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His first love, Irene Conner Allard, preceded him in death, as did his eldest son, Larry Allard, and his later wife, Cecile Murray Allard.
John graduated from Soldier Rural High School in 1932 and became the principal of Bancroft Grade School the following year. After two years as principal, he received a basketball scholarship from Ottawa University, lettering his freshman year. Before completing his education, he was forced into a new direction as the unrelenting depression took his family's farm. He headed west for work and planted himself in southern California with a job at Chrysler Motors. His family joined him shortly after, as did his sweetheart, Irene, whom he married in 1938.
John was drafted into the Army during WWII. His basic training was completed in Fort Ord and he was stationed in Fort Bragg, where he was put in charge of supplies until the end of the war.
John's passion was people. He loved people. All people. He was good to everyone he encountered and it was important to him that everyone be treated fairly. This passion is what led to his heavy involvement in the United Auto/Aircraft Workers union. During his 38 year career, he began on the assembly line at Chrysler and worked his way up to a UAW representative. Being involved with the union from its earliest days, he remained tied to the union even after retirement, aiding UAW retirees. The union seemed to be a part of his very being.
After retirement, John spent most of his days with his wife, children and grandchildren. He and Irene would plan an annual Grandchildren's Day full of games, treats, and all around good fun. John thrived on hosting big parties and went all out to celebrate the millennium, his 90th birthday, his 95th birthday, and the grand finale of his 100th birthday. He also enjoyed visits to his roots back in Kansas where he would visit with relatives and make it his quest to visit all living classmates. Once a friend of John's, always a friend of John's.
A memorial celebration is planned for 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 6 at Swiss Park in Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the American Red Cross.
John graduated from Soldier Rural High School in 1932 and became the principal of Bancroft Grade School the following year. After two years as principal, he received a basketball scholarship from Ottawa University, lettering his freshman year. Before completing his education, he was forced into a new direction as the unrelenting depression took his family's farm. He headed west for work and planted himself in southern California with a job at Chrysler Motors. His family joined him shortly after, as did his sweetheart, Irene, whom he married in 1938.
John was drafted into the Army during WWII. His basic training was completed in Fort Ord and he was stationed in Fort Bragg, where he was put in charge of supplies until the end of the war.
John's passion was people. He loved people. All people. He was good to everyone he encountered and it was important to him that everyone be treated fairly. This passion is what led to his heavy involvement in the United Auto/Aircraft Workers union. During his 38 year career, he began on the assembly line at Chrysler and worked his way up to a UAW representative. Being involved with the union from its earliest days, he remained tied to the union even after retirement, aiding UAW retirees. The union seemed to be a part of his very being.
After retirement, John spent most of his days with his wife, children and grandchildren. He and Irene would plan an annual Grandchildren's Day full of games, treats, and all around good fun. John thrived on hosting big parties and went all out to celebrate the millennium, his 90th birthday, his 95th birthday, and the grand finale of his 100th birthday. He also enjoyed visits to his roots back in Kansas where he would visit with relatives and make it his quest to visit all living classmates. Once a friend of John's, always a friend of John's.
A memorial celebration is planned for 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 6 at Swiss Park in Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the American Red Cross.
John Francis Allard passed away on May 18, 2015 at the age of 101 in his home of over 40 years in South Gate, CA. His life began over a century ago on November 21, 1913 in Soldier, KS. During these 101 years, he proved to be a loving son, brother, husband, dad, granddad, great-granddad and friend to anyone in which he crossed paths. He is survived by his son, Mark Allard, his daughter, Judy Astamendi, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His first love, Irene Conner Allard, preceded him in death, as did his eldest son, Larry Allard, and his later wife, Cecile Murray Allard.
John graduated from Soldier Rural High School in 1932 and became the principal of Bancroft Grade School the following year. After two years as principal, he received a basketball scholarship from Ottawa University, lettering his freshman year. Before completing his education, he was forced into a new direction as the unrelenting depression took his family's farm. He headed west for work and planted himself in southern California with a job at Chrysler Motors. His family joined him shortly after, as did his sweetheart, Irene, whom he married in 1938.
John was drafted into the Army during WWII. His basic training was completed in Fort Ord and he was stationed in Fort Bragg, where he was put in charge of supplies until the end of the war.
John's passion was people. He loved people. All people. He was good to everyone he encountered and it was important to him that everyone be treated fairly. This passion is what led to his heavy involvement in the United Auto/Aircraft Workers union. During his 38 year career, he began on the assembly line at Chrysler and worked his way up to a UAW representative. Being involved with the union from its earliest days, he remained tied to the union even after retirement, aiding UAW retirees. The union seemed to be a part of his very being.
After retirement, John spent most of his days with his wife, children and grandchildren. He and Irene would plan an annual Grandchildren's Day full of games, treats, and all around good fun. John thrived on hosting big parties and went all out to celebrate the millennium, his 90th birthday, his 95th birthday, and the grand finale of his 100th birthday. He also enjoyed visits to his roots back in Kansas where he would visit with relatives and make it his quest to visit all living classmates. Once a friend of John's, always a friend of John's.
A memorial celebration is planned for 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 6 at Swiss Park in Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the American Red Cross.
John graduated from Soldier Rural High School in 1932 and became the principal of Bancroft Grade School the following year. After two years as principal, he received a basketball scholarship from Ottawa University, lettering his freshman year. Before completing his education, he was forced into a new direction as the unrelenting depression took his family's farm. He headed west for work and planted himself in southern California with a job at Chrysler Motors. His family joined him shortly after, as did his sweetheart, Irene, whom he married in 1938.
John was drafted into the Army during WWII. His basic training was completed in Fort Ord and he was stationed in Fort Bragg, where he was put in charge of supplies until the end of the war.
John's passion was people. He loved people. All people. He was good to everyone he encountered and it was important to him that everyone be treated fairly. This passion is what led to his heavy involvement in the United Auto/Aircraft Workers union. During his 38 year career, he began on the assembly line at Chrysler and worked his way up to a UAW representative. Being involved with the union from its earliest days, he remained tied to the union even after retirement, aiding UAW retirees. The union seemed to be a part of his very being.
After retirement, John spent most of his days with his wife, children and grandchildren. He and Irene would plan an annual Grandchildren's Day full of games, treats, and all around good fun. John thrived on hosting big parties and went all out to celebrate the millennium, his 90th birthday, his 95th birthday, and the grand finale of his 100th birthday. He also enjoyed visits to his roots back in Kansas where he would visit with relatives and make it his quest to visit all living classmates. Once a friend of John's, always a friend of John's.
A memorial celebration is planned for 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 6 at Swiss Park in Whittier, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to the American Red Cross.
