Jon Allan Dead at 57
Jon Allan and his beloved Millie
Jon Allan died at his home Sunday night, September 27, 2009, after battling brain cancer for a little over a year. I’m told he went peacefully, attended by a few close friends and hospice.
I have not been able to discern yet, in my many years of life, any rhyme or reason why some people live long lives and some people die way too young. One thing I know for sure is that living a long time has nothing to do with living a good life or being a good person, because if it did Jon Allan would have lived forever.
Jon was the Mayor of Helotes from 2005 to 2007. He had a vision of Helotes shared by many of us, one filled with trees and great natural beauty, one with appropriate, environmentally friendly development.
The current administration in Helotes has spent a great deal of time over the last 2 and a half years trying to destroy Jon’s efforts, but as long as any of us who knew him are still alive, his legacy will live on.
Jon was one of the most kind and gentle people I have ever known. I will never forget him.
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I am touched by all the sentiments for Jon, who was indeed a warrior for the preservation of natural resources and assets in this region. May his passion for protecting land and our quality of life inspire future members and leaders of our unique and ruggedly beautiful community.
I wish Jon could have made it to the acquisition of the Madla preserve, as we all know he had much to do with getting the TPW funds for a park. God has a plan, and Jon played a big part in that project. I hope we can acknowledge his efforts at the Madla preserve dedication. He served his community with integrity and will certainly be missed by those whose lives he touched.
Jon Allan, a scientist of the highest order, could not compromise on decisions affecting the integrity of Helotes’ natural setting or the health of our citizens. Helotes was blessed to have had Jon’s gifted leadership at a most critical time. Walmart, mulch fire, shopping center fire, and threat of overdevelopment could have had very different outcomes. His initiative to provide a beautiful public park was brilliant. Jon’s courage and his vision for our community must encourage us to persist in engaging more of our citizens to advance and preserve the best of Helotes.
Charles and Germaine Field
One of the most influential and significant contributors to our local and global communities passed away, and our city did not even acknowledge his passing. The more we read and learn about Jon Allan the more we understand his giving spirit. I, for one, am profoundly inspired by his body of scientific work. His work on behalf of the Helotes community is also significant. Walmart was stopped in its tracks from building in Helotes thanks to the selfless work of Jon and the many Helotes residents who saw the risks of having the big box poised on Scenic Loop. Jon and others faced incredible financial risks for standing up for the community, yet they did not stop, and for that we breathe a little bit easier in the community environment we chose to live in and protect.
Jon Allan was a gentleman among wolves, a friend among enemies, and a leader with ethics among those without. He took action to control development while others looked the other way. He had vision and foresight and did his best to make our community a great place to live and raise kids. He will be missed.
As a friend, neighbor, and admirer, I am saddened by Jon’s passing. All of us who knew Jon were aware of the fatal nature of his cancer. Nonetheless, his passing is a tragedy for all of us in the Helotes community. Jon was a man of honor, intellect, and vision. He lived the final year of his life with courage, dignity, and modesty. It was these traits that characterized his dealings with all people, especially those in the Helotes community who so violently opposed him, denigrated him as a person, and have continued to destroy all the good he did. May he find peace at last, knowing that those who admired him will not forget him. He truly was a special friend and an extraordinary person.
Jon Allan was a neighbor, a leader, and a visionary. May he rest in peace. He did so much for Helotes and will be remembered for his fight to save the community, for non-development, and for making Helotes the real-deal. Much more should be done in remembrance of his honor and commitment to the city he loved and resided in – Helotes, TX!!
Your article says it all, and thanks for writing it. Jon gave of himself and inspired so many people to get involved and invest in the development of their community. He will be missed.
Had the fortune of meeting Jon as a former mayor and community activist. His love for the city and his commitment to ethical political behavior had a great impact on me. His work can be seen all over the city. His vision, distorted by the present city council, will live on and will be the compass in our community work.