San Leandro John Allen Owens, born on October 17, 1945, in Oakland, California, passed away on February 25, 2025, while in hospice care at the age of 79.

John was a proud graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and the Golden Gate University School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1976. A Navy veteran, John dedicated his career to public service, working as a tenured employee for the County of Alameda. He was promoted to Personnel Analyst in Human Resources and later to Senior Personnel Officer for the Sheriff's Department. John retired on October 29, 2011, after many years of distinguished service.

An avid reader and collector of the magic arts, John was a member of the Oakland Magic Circle for over 40 years.

He was also an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church and the Native Sons of the Golden West. John will be remembered for his dedication, integrity, and the positive impact he had on those around him.

John is survived by his cousins Sue Harvey, Cathy Manduca, Verna Vanis, and Sally Ann Ness; by lifelong friends Ken and Susan Taylor; and by dear friends Anna Libet, Justin Cannon, Robert Herrick, Pamela Davis, Carol Stone, Joann Callahan, Steve Hatton, Shannon Chao, and many others. He was admired by former colleagues and friends for his generosity, loyalty, and unfailing humor.

In the words of Mark Twain, whom John was fond to quote, "Let us live sothat when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry."

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12th, 2025 at 2:00 PM at All Saints Episcopal Church in San Leandro, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Episcopal at saintsalive.net.