Resources

John Alfred Louden

John Alfred Barron Louden John Louden died in Boise, Idaho, on May 11, 2012, at age 91. He was a creative, character who worked hard, had fun, and loved people. Known as Popa, he will be missed by his family. John was born on March 25, 1921, in Mangere, New Zealand, in farm country outside of Auckland. After a rough childhood he left home at 15 and went to work as a hired hand for a man that had a farm. The man was like an older brother to John; taught him many things, took him to local dances where John learned to dance and met his first wife, Margaret. He and Margaret later would host parties with dancing in their home. John served in WWII in the New Zealand army and in 1949, John and Margaret came to the U.S. with their daughter Jeanne. He became a builder and built many homes around the Bay Area for more than 30 years. He built a unique, hillside home in Marin, that became the family home for Jeanne and family. The home became the location for many holiday meals, with John in the kitchen helping to cook. John loved to cook for family and friends throughout life. John and Margaret lived near their family and spent a lot of time with their grandchildren. His wife Margaret died in 1980. John met his second wife, Marilyn Cunningham, in California before retiring together to Idaho, where they had a large garden with chickens, sheep, a horse, and always their beloved dogs. John spent time painting oil landscapes and seascapes and he became part of Marilyn's extended family in Idaho. They lived in Boise before moving to Sweet where they worked on their home and garden and welcomed friends and family to their home. John is preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, his daughter Jeanne, and one grandson John Graves. He is survived by his grandchildren James Graves of Napa, California (Glynda); Thomas Graves of San Anselmo, California (Courtney); and Margaret Williams of San Mateo, California (Michael); and great-grandchildren Alison, Sienna, Georgia, Spencer, and Annie. A celebration gathering to remember John and to tell stories about his colorful life will be held at the Triangle Restaurant near Sweet, Idaho at 4:30 pm on Friday June 1, 2012. Family and friends are welcome.
Published in Marin Independent Journal on May 23, 2012
Read More
Give others a chance to express condolences. Not right now.
Inform family & friends of John's passing.
- ADVERTISEMENT -