Daniel Allen

1937 - 2025

Dan Allen, joke teller, dragon slayer and bon vivant passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones after injuries sustained in a fall during his high wire act.

All joking aside-which was definitely not Dan's style-he passed peacefully, surrounded by people he loved, on September 27, 2025.

Dan, born on March 30, 1937, in Calgary, Alberta Canada, was the 6th of 8 children of Loren H. and Margaret (Zurn) Allen. He grew up in Burns, Oregon and after graduating from high school there, he joined Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey as an apprentice lion tamer-or he spent 4 years globe hopping in The United States Air Force. It was probably the latter.

After trying his hand at stand-up comedy, professional gambling and steer wrestling, Dan proudly spent his working life as a master carpenter and builder, reveling in the finished products of his labors.

Dan was a true lover of music and, after attempting to learn the accordion, the tuba and the underrated glass armonica, he achieved his lifelong dream of learnng to play the violin. Shortly after beginning violin lessons in his late fifties, he began building violins and completed 58 gorgeous instruments.

Dan loved nothing more than being surrounded by family, friends and willing strangers telling (often tall) tales and jokes. A good belly laugh was a daily requirement.

Dan is survived by his son, Kurt (Rebecca) Allen; his daughter, Kim (David) Adler; his grandchildren, India Allen, Gage Allen, Josh (Janele) Lake and Joey Campbell; his great-grandchildren, Caiden and Madison Campbell, and his sister, Shirley Demackiewicz.

Per his wishes, there will not be a funeral or service. A celebration of Dan's zest for life and happy spirit will be held in the spring of 2026.