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Allen Emmett Johnson left this world and went to the “big camp” on August 2, 2026. He passed away peacefully in the home he loved, with his family by his side.
He was born on July 10, 1939 in Jamestown, NY to Richard Warren Johnson and Donna Mildred Spink Johnson. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1957 and often remarked that he had perfect attendance throughout his school years. He continued his education at JCC, graduating in 1959 with an Associates of Arts. In 1961, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education at SUNY Fredonia. In 1960 he became a member of KAPPA DELTA PI, the National Honor Society in Education. He earned a Master of Science in Education in 1966 and continued taking post graduate classes throughout his life.
On June 23, 1962, Allen married the love of his life, Phyllis Marie Stenander at Bethel Lutheran Church. Together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage. Allen and Phyllis were true soulmates – always together as a team and always supporting one another. Together they raised a beautiful family, faithfully served their church, traveled together, and spent many years directing both Camp Onyahsa and Camp Mission Meadows.
Allen was led by faith in everything that he did. He was a lifelong member of the former Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he was baptized and confirmed. As an adult, he taught Sunday school for more than 50 years, served as Sunday School Superintendent for 9 years, served on numerous committees and was a member of the church council. He was an active member of Immanuel Men’s Fellowship and together with Phyllis he organized countless bus trips known as the “Immanuel Cruisers”. Anyone fortunate enough to participate knew there would be delicious treats, wonderful fellowship and a surprise “mystery trip” along the way! After Immanuel closed it’s doors, he became a member at First Lutheran Church, and also attended Hillcrest Baptist Church. He strived to live his life as a devout Christian guided by the words of his favorite bible verses, James 1:22, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” , and John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Allen had a special gift for working with children and dedicated his life to education. In 1961 he began a 38-year teaching career with the Southwestern Central School District, teaching 6th grade beginning in Celoron School and then the Middle School. He quickly became one of the district’s most requested teachers. In 1967 he was honored with the Outstanding Young Educator award from the Lakewood Area Jaycees. One of his lifelong passions was working as a New York State swimming and Diving Official for 51 Years.
During the summers, his commitment to young people continued. He worked at the YMCA Camp Onyahsa as an Assistant Camp Director with Spiro Bello from 1967-1975 where he was later named the YMCA Volunteer of the year. In 1976 he became the Director at Camp Mission Meadows, serving until 1991. He was instrumental in transforming Mission Meadows from a six-week summer camp into a year-round winterized camping facility. His leadership touched countless campers and staff members whose lives were changed as they accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts.
Allen was always trying to help and do things for others. All someone had to do was ask and he was there. He had a knack for improving and making things better. After his camping years, Allen devoted himself to the Independent order of Vikings #65. As Chief of the Vikings in 1999, he helped to build an extensive playground, established the “Godis Afar” snack shack where his daughter and grand-daughter worked, organized the construction of a large picnic pavilion, brought enthusiasm and volunteers to the annual Family Picnic, and helped establish the Scholarship and 25- and 50-year recognition ceremonies that continue each summer. In 2000, he became the first member of Vikings #65 to receive the National Viking of the Year award. That same year he received the “Award of Merit” from the Scandinavian Studies Program at JCC, and in 2006 he received the “Award of Merit” from the Swedish Council of America. In addition to the Vikings, Allen was also a member at the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, the Norden Club and the Scandinavian Culture Program.
Following Phyllis’s passing, his daughter Kelly proudly became Al’s “Social Director”. Allen’s favorite saying became “Here comes Kelly and her dad”. Together they traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC; the 2004 Viking Convention in Muskegon, MI; and Sister Bay Wisconsin where they visited Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant & Butik. While he enjoyed their adventures to Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Pirates games, nothing brought him greater joy than cheering on his grand and great grandchildren at their volleyball, football, basketball, baseball and soccer games.
Allen is survived by his three children: Michael (Cathleen) of Albuquerque, NM; Kelly of Jamestown, NY; and Tim of Jamestown, NY. He was a proud Papa to Morgan (Jon), Madison, Nathan and Shane, and a cherished Great-Grandfather to Jordan, Jackson, Mason Allen, Logan, Maevyn Marie and Maizlyn. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard L. (JoAnne) Johnson of Cardington, Ohio; and Daniel (Tatjana) Johnson of Arcade, NY.
In addition to his parents, Allen was preceded in death by the love of his life; Phyllis Johnson, his sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Joe Santilli, his daughter-in-law Victoria Johnson; and numerous beloved aunts and uncles. He now rejoices in heaven, reunited with family and friends who have gone before him.
In keeping with the way that Allen lived his life, the family suggests honoring his memory by performing a Random Act of Kindness, volunteering, becoming involved in your community and living by the motto he embraced: “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 Monday at First Lutheran Church, 120 Chandler St., Jamestown. The Pastor Dan Nagle will officiate. Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery. Following the service there will be a Swedish Luncheon put on by the Altar Guild.
Friends will be received from 1-3 on Sunday at Linds.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Mission Meadows, 5201 E. Lake Rd., Dewittville, NY. 14728; The Viking Scholarship Fund, 318 Washington St., Jamestown, NY 14701; Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative Care, 20 W. Fairmount Ave., Lakewood, NY 14750; or a charity of the donor’s choice.
To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit lindfuneralhome.com