Thomas David Allin
Thomas David Allin, born on March 2, 1937, in Pasadena, California, to parents Ralph Walter Allin and Jewel Hollinger Allin, was named after his grandfather, a distinguished civil engineer and former Mayor of Pasadena.
From an early age, Tom exhibited a deep love for a wide array of sports, excelling in football and track. His enduring passion for the great outdoors was cultivated during his formative years and ultimately led Tom to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. In later years, his affinity for the natural world continued further, leading him to embrace activities such as surfing and fishing.
Tom pursued higher education at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He not only excelled academically but also stood at the forefront of his Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) class. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Army, serving with honor and distinction in Military Intelligence, ultimately reaching the rank of Captain.
The majority of his professional career was dedicated to Raytheon, where he served as both a project manager and department manager in the field of Data and Configuration Management. In 1995, Tom made the choice to take early retirement as the government scaled back defense contracts.
Beyond his professional life, Tom was deeply engaged in his faith. He was at elder at Goleta Presbyterian Church for multiple terms, where he frequently led Bible studies. Additionally, at Santa Barbara Community Church, he co-led homegroups for several years, actively contributing to the spiritual growth of those around him.
On October 31, 2023, Tom peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife, Karen, his sister, Nancy, his children, Thomas, Kathleen, Victoria, and Dana, as well as his eight grandchildren, Alicia, Dustin, Evan, Alexandra, Jessica, Micah, Peyton, and Piper. The family finds solace in the knowledge that Tom is now restored in the presence of his Lord and Savior, and they extend their heartfelt gratitude to all friends for their unwavering love and support during this challenging time.