John A Kollen

John A. Kollen was born in San Francisco on June, 11, 1944.  He started working for United Airlines in 1966, but took a four year break to serve in the United States Air Force.  After his tour of duty he returned to United until retiring as a Powerplant Engineer in 1999. While in his 40’s he and his wife Pat both graduated from the College of Notre Dame together.  He then continued his airline career at Alaska Airlines until he retired again, and for the last time, in 2013.  

John always loved boating.  When he was younger he was an avid water skier and even skied at Marine World in their water ski show.  He then turned his attention to sailing and traveled the world for sailing regattas. After moving to Enumclaw in 1999, he and Pat bought a 42 foot trawler and began exploring Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands.  After a lifetime on the water they sold the boat and began traveling in their motorhome visiting friends and family. He loved to visit and share stories with other travelers in RV parks. He and his dog, Lucy, would head off to dump the trash and would come back hours later with stories of the other travelers.  His other passions included many years of competitive racquetball, country western line dancing and some leisurely golfing.

He had a 10 acre farm with three miniature donkeys and over the years had many different animals.   He could often be seen mowing with his John Deere tractor and a dog on his lap. He also loved his three grandchildren, Mia, Ryan and Mitchell. He was their beloved Papa and the kids loved hanging out at the farm with him.  

John died suddenly of a heart attack.  He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Pat Kollen, his daughter Tami Dunn (Michael), sister Kelly Allin (Kel), brother Ron Kollen (Madeline), son in-law Brian Moynihan (Josie), three grandchildren, Ryan Dunn, Mia and Mitchell Moynihan, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and his dogs Gracie and Lucy.  

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheri Moynihan; his sister Joanne Vaughn, and both his parents. 

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