Allyn Johnson, USAF (Retired)
April 06, 1930 – June 25, 2023

San Jose, California – Born in Grandma’s bedroom on Harris Street in South Bellingham to Vera Claudia Clark and Karl Gerhardt Johnson.

Spent the first 18 years (minus 2 in Oregon) in the great state of Washington. After graduating from William Winlock Miller (in Olympia) high school, began to plan my future. Desired an industry tat offered employment tenure, in house training, 3 squares and a cot, slight stipend, free travel, great vacation, non-contribution retirement options and free medical care. Found that the US Military and with an interest in aviation, a model airplane builder/flyer, enlisted in the US Air Force in 1948. Trained and worked as an enlisted instructor/mechanic on fixed and rotary wing aircraft powered by recip or jet engines.

Earned my wings and commission.

During the Korean conflict flew twin engine amphibians in Japan, Korea, Iwo Jima, and what was then French Indo China for two years. Then flew 4 engine passenger/cargo planes from Travis AFB in California to Tokyo, Bangkok and all Pacific Islands for 5 years. In 1961 was chosen to fly with the Special Missions Squadron out of Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC. Flew 4 different twin engine executive aircraft (Aero Commander 560, Convair 44, Convair 550 turbo, Beach 90 turbo) with various foreign heads of state and US dignitaries including President Johnson. It was satisfying to have non-political conversations with many distinguished domestic and foreign visitors.

Last piloting assignment was a 3-month tour in Viet Nam as a Forward Air Controller. Talk about coincidences, first airplane was a “taildragger” T-6 and last airplane was a Cessna O-1 “tail dragger”. Grounded as a pilot due to injury, retired with disability in Honolulu in 1969. As the retirement pay was inadequate for lounging in the Hawaiian Islands, relocated the family to Puerto Rico, wife’s home. Thanks to the GI bill earned a BA and 2 Master degrees from inter America University. Served as Associate Professor/Assistant Dean for the university for 4 years.

Moved back to Washington state, to Seattle in 1976. Opened a self-subsidized hobby shop for two years. Never open a mom/pop store across the street from Safeway!!

Moved to San Jose, California in 1981 to manage an auto parts store for 8 years. Same place, same time, and schedule! BORING!!! Left the employment circus in 1989 and spent many years traveling all over by boat, trains, plane and motor homes. The Danube, the Mediterranean, Alaska, Germany, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal.

Leave behind his gracious and loving wife of 67 years, Carmen.  Two wonderful children, daughter Brenda and son in law Paul, son Allyn Karl and daughter in law Ivette, 3 grandsons, Heriberto, Rico and Carlos. 3 great grandsons, Vincent, Miles and Mateo. Plus, a vast extended family.

Thank you to family and friends for enhancing my life with your loving care and consideration!!