Allan LÖNnberg Obituary

Allan Lönnberg
Jan. 7, 1945 - Nov. 3, 2019
Aptos
Allan Lönnberg, 1945 - 2019, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 3, with his loved ones by his side.
He spent his early years with his parents and three sisters between Berkeley and Sweden, and summers in Lake Tahoe, surrounded by the brilliance of nature.
In the 1960s and 70s he participated in the civil rights movement, briefly lived on a commune, tried ship-building, and eventually traveled to the Amazon rainforest to live with an indigenous tribe. This experience led him to begin his career in anthropology and archaeology.
His lasting career was as an adjunct professor at Cabrillo College, where he began friendships that would last his lifetime. He was a funny, engaged teacher who strived to both learn from his students and instill in them a wonder and curiosity of humankind. He eventually began to teach anthropology courses in the subjects of food and wine, two things he enjoyed greatly in life. He was an excellent and improvisational chef, with homemade pasta his specialty, famous amongst his family and friends.
He was a great writer, an avid reader, and a wonderful conversationalist. He made friends wherever he went and touched many lives. Countless people remember him as such an insightful, kind, gentle, and humorous man. He wrote doggerel poems in birthday cards and found puns wherever he could. He dearly loved volunteering at the Kuumbwa jazz center, washing dishes to allow him to listen to his favorite music. He was a lovely brother, friend, colleague, and ally.
Most of all, he was an incomparable husband, father, and grandfather, dedicated, thoughtful, present, and involved through his final days. He so generously gave a love of nature, essence of silliness, and endless love and wisdom to his family. He will be deeply missed by his wife Sigrid, his daughter Anna, his granddaughter Naia, family around the world, and friends both near and far.
Wherever he is, we imagine him laughing one of his deep, uncontrollable laughs, and meeting the next metaphysical plane with curiosity and joy. Rest in peace and fun, Allan.

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Nov. 15, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Allan LÖNnberg

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6 Entries

Bob Hagopian

February 1, 2020

To Allan's loved ones,

My name is Bob Hagopian. I was saddened by his passing.

For two decades I had the pleasure of Allan's company at Spa Fitness Center/InShape Capitola. He, of course, taught anthropology at Cabrillo. I taught history at Scotts Valley Middle School. So often I would hear from friends, children of friends, and some of my former students how much they gained from being enrolled in one or more of Allan's classes. We had adjacent cubbies in the men's locker room. In our conversations before or after our workouts, we would share comments about recent books read. More than a few times, I would ask Allan for an archeological take on various, pressing, present-day events. I found comfort and clarity in the long, broad views he would share. His travel anecdotes and descriptions of beautiful, local vantage points put me on the path of discovering the beauty that surrounds us here on the Central Coast. His touch of humor was ever-present. Sometimes the laughter he elicited put fresh light into a gray day.
Please accept my condolences. Your family and family friends surely go forward with many fond recollections of your years with Allan.

Jessica Johnson

November 26, 2019

I have very fond memories of nights spent looking at Allan's artifacts from his travels and flipping through books as he and my parents (Joe and Nora Morris) shared laughs deep into the night...I am sorry to hear of his passing, but filled with joy to read of his spirited life!

Russ Vorrath

November 25, 2019

I am sincerely sorry to read of Allan's passing. I was a friend of his sister Tina. I have not been in contact with the family for over fifty years, but I remember Allan from my visits to the Lonnberg home on Trout Gulch Road. My condolences to Allan's family.
Sincerely, Russ Vorrath

Rene Shelton

November 19, 2019

Allan had come to pick up his daughter from my daycare. I was beside myself, as I had taken on a breastfeeding infant that was refusing a bottle. The baby was screaming from frustration and probably hunger and I had five toddlers to care for as well. Allan sat down on the couch, put the babe in his lap, and spent the next two hours calming her and eventually feeding her.

We and Allan's beautiful family went on to enjoy great meals and wonderful trips to Yosemite and Tahoe.

My heart to the family for the loss.

Dennis Etler

November 15, 2019

Allan was a beloved colleague in the Cabrillo Anthropology Department. His warmth and collegial spirit will always be remembered. It's very sad to learn he's no longer with us.

November 15, 2019

I am so sad to hear about your loss, Sigrid.I didn't know Alan well, but he was always generous, gracious, and had so many gifts and talents. I know that his presence will be dearly missed. I send you and the kids who are not kidds any more my deep condolences.

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