Obituary of John T Allison

ALLISON, JOHN T. John Tanner Allison, died suddenly the morning of Jan 22, 2014. John was born to Mark Hinkle Allison and Laura B. (Dufphey) Allison in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 21, 1953. A celebration of John's life will be held Saturday, Feb 1st at 10:00 AM at First Unitarian Church, 3107 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM. A reception will be held following the service. John was a well-loved and recognized teacher at Highland High School for 28 years, where he taught science courses in biology, geology, chemistry and physics. In 2008, John received the Excellence in Science Teaching Award from Sandia National Laboratories. John earned a degree in biology and education from the University of New Mexico in 1975. He won a scholarship to UNM after graduating from Highland High School in 1971 where he excelled as an athlete. John ran for the UNM cross country team where he was named an All American, and set a world record in the mile relay. He made life-long friends of his fellow teammates. John shared his talent and love for running by coaching track in his early years as a teacher at Highland High School. John was a dedicated teacher who helped many students by giving countless hours of his personal time. He was known for his humor and always had a new joke to share. John is survived by his longtime companion and colleague, Cathy Wiest, sisters, Sharna Travers-Smith (Andrew), Lewes, Great Britain, Carol Allison-Huntress (Ernest), Albuquerque, Betsy Nazare (David), Park City, Utah, nieces, Alyssa and Serena Travers-Smith, Ariel Huntress, and Rachel Nazare, and aunt Dorothy Walz and family, Nebraska. John is preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Laura Allison, and his aunt and uncle, Bill and Lucy Hayden. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Animal Humane of New Mexico, 615 Virginia St SE, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, or All Faiths Receiving Home,1709 Moon St. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home, 225 San Mateo NE, (505)764-9663.