Allan John Arata

Allan John Arata passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, after a long season of declining health. He was born on September 19, 1945, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Alton and Florence (MacKenzie) Arata. Just a few months later, Allan and his mother traveled by train back to Salinas, California - the place he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

Allan attended Lincoln School, Washington Junior High, and graduated with the Salinas High School Class of 1963. He went on to Armstrong College in Berkeley, graduating in 1968. In his early years, he married Barbara C. Boyd, and though they later divorced, their lives remained connected through family.

Agriculture was deeply woven into Allan's roots. As a boy, he spent many hours on his uncle's ranch in the Blanco District, sparking a lifelong passion for produce. His career in sales spanned decades, beginning at Topco and InterHarvest, continuing with Salinas Marketing Cooperative, and concluding at Associated Produce Distributors, where he retired in 2002.

Outside of work, Allan found great joy in golf. As a longtime member of Salinas Golf and Country Club, many Saturdays were spent on the course in the company of his beloved circle of friends. Known for his warm and welcoming nature, Allan never met a stranger. His kindness, easy humor, and gift for conversation left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.

Allan was also a devoted Los Angeles Dodgers fan, a love passed down from his father. One of his fondest memories was attending the 1988 World Series, witnessing Kirk Gibson's legendary home run - a story he loved to share.

Above all, Allan's greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren: Haley, Madison, and Christian. Retirement gave him the gift of time with them, whether it was school pickups, leisurely walks, or their treasured ice cream outings.

Allan is survived by his daughter, Alison (Jon) Anthony; his grandchildren, Haley Pilcher, Madison Pilcher, and Christian Pilcher; his sister, Nancy Arata; and many cherished cousins and dear friends.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Dawn, Eva, Maria, Nilla, Elvira, Arcie, Lorenzo, Merza, Christine, John, and Nurse Carmen from VNA Hospice for their devoted care and compassion throughout the past six years.

In keeping with Allan's wishes, a private ceremony will be held at a later date off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, Hawaii.

Memorial contributions may be made to Central Coast VNA & Hospice Inc., 5 Lower Ragsdale Drive, Monterey, CA 93940, or to the charity of one's choice.