August 1913 – November 2009

Allan Alcorn was born in Dunedin to Scottish immigrant parents. As a lad, Allan attended Sunday school at North East Valley Baptist Church. During his 20s he worked for the Public Trust while studying part-time for a B.Com, and was transferred to various cities around New Zealand.

In his early 30s he settled in Wellington, changed jobs and met his future wife, Jean. He loved visiting her family home, where he really appreciated the meals and family hospitality after years of boarding house life. Through the influence of Jean and her mother he began attending church again and became a Christian. He married Jean at the end of 1947 and in May 1951, just before moving his young family to Auckland, Allan was baptised at the Brooklyn Baptist Church.

In Auckland, Allan and Jean worshipped at Epsom Baptist Church, where they both played active roles in church service and leadership for 21 years. Allan served as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, Bible class leader, church treasurer and secretary and was a deacon for many years. He used his public speaking skills in many of these positions, as well as lay preaching. 

Following a shift to the North Shore in 1972, Allan and Jean became active members of Milford Baptist Church for the next 30 years, with a break for several years when they worshipped at Forrest Hill Presbyterian church. The family grew during this time, with four weddings and the arrival of 10 grandchildren.

Allan was elected President of the Auckland Baptist Association in June 1977 and, with Jean, he visited all 54 member churches during that year, preaching on the theme of The Overcomers.

Following his retirement from a successful career in sales training and management, Allan spent 3 months at the Christian Leaders’ Training College in Papua New Guinea doing voluntary staff support, while Jean ably ran a missionary guest house.

Thirty years of retirement allowed Allan to indulge in his interests of travelling with Jean, motivational speaking in NZ and overseas, and enjoying his growing family. He spent more time studying God’s word and sharing his revelations with others. He led a home Bible study group until he was 94 years old.

Allan died at 96, on the fourth anniversary of his younger brother Bob’s passing.

He will be sadly missed by Jean, his children and grandchildren.

May he rest in peace with his risen Lord.

– Sandra Turner