John Allen Wiens, BHS 1940

John Allen Wiens, BHS 1940

Ventura County Star (CA) - Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Born:1920 - Died:2010

Allen Wiens was born on Dec. 16, 1920 in Los Angeles. He peacefully passed away on Jan. 8, 2010 in Ventura at the age of 89. He graduated from Burbank High School and then served in the Merchant Marines during WWII.

In 1946 Allen started his own business, " Wiens Precision Model Shop," in Burbank. He designed prototype machines and was a pioneer in his field. Some of the events at his shop included the Water Dome desalinization project in the 1960s. In the 1970s he was working with hydrogen to split water, which would be used as a source of nonpolluting energy to replace the need for oil.

Over his 55 years in business he designed many machines that are in use today. He did design engineering for Disney, Lockheed and Technicolor. He was a recipient of many engineering awards and served as an official on many Mobile Gas Economy Runs.

Allen was also a master woodworker producing furniture and award winning gunstocks. In 1951 Allen married the love of his life, Grace Constance (Connie), and enjoyed 58 years of marriage. He was an adored father in a Christ centered home. His loved ones will miss him including his wife, Connie; his daughter, Jonal Beck (Ron); two sons, Dave Wiens and Jeff Wiens (Kathleen).

He was also a proud grandpa of Kyle and Heather Beck and Austin and Luke Wiens . He was an adventurous sportsman, marksman, skier, and tennis player. He backpacked the High Sierras and fished the Canadian wilderness. Allen was a true icon of a Renaissance man. Allen was a lifelong Good Samaritan, blessed to be a blessing.

A private celebration of his life was held Sunday in the home. Donations can be made to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 541, Oxnard, CA 93032-0541.