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Jack Allain Obituary
December 9, 1934
February 5, 2012
Big Jack
A giant of a man in stature, in heart, and in soul
Exuberant teller of jokes and stories, singer of songs
A force of nature in mind and presence
Infectious laughter and booming voice
A strong, caring man and yet still a little boy
A lover of life and people
Bright and beautiful, a true diamond in the rough.
Make room heaven, the mighty warrior comes home . . . .
Jack M. Allain, age 77, born December 9, 1934 in San Francisco, CA, passed into eternal life on Sunday, February 5, 2012, just at the kick-off of Super Bowl XLVI.
Jack's size and abilities enabled him to become an accomplished athlete in several sports during high school and college. He was recognized with many honors and is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame in both his high school, Junipero Serra, and his college, Idaho State University.
Starting as a very young teen, he worked "punking" iron during the summers on the San Francisco wharf, becoming known as "the big kid from Daly City who could carry a ton and a half." After college and a brief stint playing semi-pro basketball, he returned to the wharf where he ultimately became co-owner of Service Engineering, a ship repair company, on Pier 38. In 1989, Jack retired to Reno where he met and later married the love of his life, Barbara. He became a very active member of the AA Fellowship, 23 years, where he was a sponsor to many and a friend to all.
Jack is pre-deceased by his father and mother, Roy and Genevieve Allain, and an infant son John. He is survived by his daughter Kellee Allain (Piran), grand children Alyse and Trevor Allain of Alamo, CA; his son Ryan Allain of Boulder City, NV; his sister Adrienne Schablaske(Clem) and their children and grand children; his wife, Barbara and her daughters and their families. All loved him dearly.
Our sincere thanks to Dr. Tim Coughlin and Dr. John Williamson for their dedicated medical care and valued friendship. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 3835 Lakeside Dr., Reno, NV, on Saturday, February 11th, 2012, at 12:00 noon. Good food and stories to follow in the church gym. Everyone is invited.
There is no goodbye; you're in my heart forever.
I'll meet you there often.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to one of the following organizations:
American Heart Assoc.
1281 Terminal Way
Suite 111
Reno, NV 89502
St. Mary's Hospice
18653 Wedge Parkway
Reno, NV 89511
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Allain
Peter Radsliff
February 11, 2025
I´ve been scuba diving with Big Jack in Cozumel and Belize and always enjoyed his huge personality. I managed the Bamboo Reef dive shop which I where I met him but only just now found his obituary and learned of his passing. Godspeed, Jack. I will never forget you. A note to the family: I am writing a memoir of trying to pursue a life diving and Jack plays a part in two of my stories. Let me know if anyone would like a link to see the book when finished mid 2025.
Dolly & Chuck
February 3, 2023
How could we ever forget you Jack? NO WAY - our fondest memory goes back to one of the Christmas' (maybe 2002) when you paid Steve $100 to go into the Polar Bare Plunge - No way Steve was going to let that one go by. Also, remember the love you had for Barb - now the 2 of you are together. Love, Dolly & Chuck
Carl Young
December 29, 2013
Big Jack is still often remembered and quoted for his straight forward wisdom, good humor and friendship.
S.C.
February 15, 2012
Dear Allain Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one, Jack. May you find consolation in the fond memories of your dear one along with comfort from the Most High-for “He is healing the brokenhearted ones, and is binding up their painful spots.” –Psalm 147:3
Kathy Clarke
February 15, 2012
To The family of Jack, I'm so sorry for your loss. Jack was one of my regular customers at Harrah's I have known him for many years, when I told some of my co-workers they were very sadden by his passing. I will always remember Jack for his positive and upbeat nature. To know him put a smile on your face! love you always Jack. Kathy Clarke and other Harrah's employees to numerous to list.
Kathy Olsen
February 14, 2012
Jack was someone who took time to listen to others which is so important. I counted him as a friend. He imparted his wisdom to me which helped. Kathy Olsen
Jennie Machado
February 13, 2012
Ryan I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. I hope you are full of good memories to carry with you for the rest of your life.
Your old Mercy friend from highschool....Jennie
Ken Manley
February 12, 2012
All of my "Big Jack" memories are good: The time at pier 64 when he directed me to join him in a helicopter, but the pilot intervened that because of our size we must go seperately! The time he asked Marilyn to balance the oven on the edge of the cabinet while I corrected a bad connection! The oversize door to his office at Pier 38! RIP Big Jack. Ken Manley, Pacifica.
Debbie S
February 12, 2012
R.I.P., Big Jack.
February 12, 2012
Barbara
We met Jack several years ago when we were in Door County visiting Dolly and Chuck. We had a great time with you and enjoyed Jack's humor and wit. We are sorry for your loss and send our deepest sympathy to you and your family
Ginny and Dave Martinson
February 12, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I came across this wonderful kind man many years ago, usually New Years Eve and Super Bowl. Every so often he would bless us with his presence just "passing through" as he put it. He was always smiling and laughing. He touched so many of us. He will be missed.
God bless to you and your family.
Sonia C.
Connie Tomasello
February 11, 2012
We didn't know Jack personally but we knew him through chloe and all the wonderful things she told of her Uncle Big Jack. Her love came through with every story she told. He must have been a wonderful man. Our wishes and prayers are with you at this time and always.
Steve and Connie Tomasello
Loretta Limon
February 10, 2012
Barbara and family, we are sorry to hear of your great loss. We are certain that the wonderful memories Jack left behind will bring you comfort. With loving sympathy, Loretta and Tony Limon, Reno
JimJ
February 10, 2012
One of Serra High's greats.
February 10, 2012
Very sorry to learn off Jack passing. My father and I worked with many really good men at Triple ' A ' Shipyard, and Big Jack was one of them. This world has lost a great guy. Patrick Leonard
Carl Young
February 10, 2012
Jack was a friend we looked up to and admired his steadfastness, humor and integrity. He will be missed by all.
Sincerely,
Carl Y and Gretchen N
Kelley Hilton
February 10, 2012
Big Jack, I miss you my friend. You used to tell me whenever we left each other "Be kind to yourself". I always said "have I told you I love you today?" You were more of a father figure than friend...rest well my friend, save me a seat next to you....Kelley
Phil Hurd
February 9, 2012
What a great man -- Jack! He was always kind and very helpful to me. One of my favorite guys on the planet. What a loss for his dear family.
February 9, 2012
a good man..."to the bone"...he'll be missed by many. Marilyn
Nancy Cullen
February 9, 2012
Since Tom went to Serra with Jack he has more memories than I, but we both have fond memories of good times being around Jack. Our sympathy to Barbara and the family.
susan
February 9, 2012
The loss of Jack cuts deeply. His presence was always an honor. My heart goes out to all who loved him.
Ardena
February 9, 2012
Jack's love of his family and his absoulute joy in his marriage to Barb were a joy to me...
Judy Stone
February 9, 2012
Dear Barbara and family,
What a beautiful tribute to a very dear Man, everyone who met Jack thought he was bigger than life and how wonderful you got to spend so many years together. Love, Judy Stone
February 9, 2012
Barbara, Laura, Lisa, Leslie,
WHAT A GREAT TRIBUTE TO JACK.. We will miss his jokes, quick wit and his booming voice. He was a wonderful brother-in-law. We mourn his loss with you. We will arrive in Reno around 10:00am on Friday. Love, Big Brother/Uncle Chuck and Aunt Helen/Dolly.
Linda Swanson
February 8, 2012
Kellie & Ryan sorry for your lose. Your dad was a great guy and I will always remember him. And Barbara I'm very sorry for your lose also. I meet you many years ago at Jacks mothers' birthday party.
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