John Harold Alley
1982-2008
John Harold Alley, 26, passed away on Saturday, 24 May 2008, in Pensacola, Florida. He was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force and was stationed at NAS Whiting Field, Florida where he was in pilot training.
John was born in the Azores, Portugal to LtCol W. David and Eva J. (Poljanec) Alley on 28 March 1982, at Lajes Air Field. He lived in various places throughout the world including Columbus, OH; Wright Patterson AFB, OH; The Air Force Academy, CO; Misawa Air Base, Japan; Colorado Springs, CO; Bountiful, UT; and Milton, FL. He graduated from Air Academy High School in 2000 with High Honors and the Air Force Academy in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2Lt on 26 May 2006.
John was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His love for the Savior and the Gospel were inspirational to all who knew him. A highlight of his life was serving as a missionary for the Church in the Venezuela-Barcelona Mission from 2002 to 2004.
He was accomplished athletically and was a NCAA Division IA wrestler at the Air Force Academy. Besides wrestling, John loved skiing, soccer, rugby, scuba diving, climbing, biking, and was just developing a passion for golf. Fascinated by wildlife, John found solace in nature and never missed an opportunity to go camping, hiking, or mountain climbing. He was also an Eagle Scout.
John met the love of his life, Emily Wilbur, in Bountiful, Utah. They were sealed for time and all eternity in the LDS Bountiful, Utah Temple on 14 July 2007. They were excited for the arrival of their first child, John Harold Alley, Jr., who is expected to be born in October. John loved and was loved by his many nieces and nephews.
John is survived by his wife; unborn child; parents; older sister Julie Jeanne (Alley) Allen, her husband Steven D. Allen, and their children Trenton, Kali, and Blake; younger brother Lewis “Luke” Michael Alley; younger sister Anna Marie Alley; grandmother Nadra Jeanne (Dayton) Alley; grandfather John Joseph Poljanec; father and mother-in-law Curt and Sharon (Pratt) Wilbur, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Harold Pugmire Alley and step-grandmother Malvene Poljanec.
A memorial service will be held in the theater at NAS Whiting Field in Milton, FL at 10am on Saturday, 31 May 2008, where he will be posthumously commissioned a First Lieutenant and receive his pilot wings. A funeral will be held in Bountiful, UT at the Bountiful Heights Stake Center (33 S. Moss Hill Drive) at 11 am on Friday, 6 June 2008. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 6 to 8 at Russon Brothers Mortuary (295 North Main, Bountiful). Interment will be in the Bountiful City Cemetery, with full military honors.
A trust fund has been established for Emily and their child. Contributions can be made by sending checks marked “Alley Family Trust Fund” to Air Warrior Courage Foundation, PO Box 1553 Front Royal, VA 22630.
17 comments:
What a wonderful man! You're in my prayers
Baby John will have a lot of wonderful things to hear about his Father for sure. Try to start a journal about all the things you know and remember about John...(things he's told you and things you noticed about him) fun things that he enjoyed and some things that were even a bit quirky that he did. Things that made you laugh and thing that irritated you that you wish could irritate you again. Take everyone elses memories also. It will be something great for you to read too. I wish I could have met the two of you together. You were such a fun neighbor to have next door in Maeser...I can only imagine what fun John was. So much to be proud of.
take care emily
love you...shannon
Emily,
I just stumbled upon this heartbreaking news today via the BHS site and I can't get you out of my thoughts!
Bless your faithful, faithful heart! And bless that baby boy on the way! I'm sure he will grow to be a wonderful tribute to his father.
Count on our prayers along with everyone elses!
Dear Emily,
What a beautiful tribute to your eternal companion. I did not know John, and was only an acquaintance of yours in the BYU 138th ward, but I clearly remember your light, smile, and example, and I am so deeply saddened by the news of your loss.
My thoughts, prayers, and tears are with you. May God continue to cradle you in His arms during this painful hour.
Love,
Carrie Gossling Rhinehart
This is beautiful & I love what you wrote in the "About Us" section too. I got out my scrapbook from last year so I could look at your wedding invitation -- the two of you have some of the most wonderful pictures I've ever seen -- your love just jumps off the page. I wish I could be in Bountiful next Saturday.
Congrats on finding out you're having a boy! I'm going to have to do some shopping before October!
Loves,
Sarah
John's obituary was beautifully done. I didn't know many of the things it mentioned about John--he was a wrestler!? What an awesome guy you have forever. Congratulations on expecting a boy, what a wonderful tribute to name him after his dad.
I sure love you and am thinking about you, you are an amazing pillar of strength, you are an amazing woman. I really hope to see you this summer. Our prayers are with you everyday!
Emily,
This is Jayme Sayes (Whetman) and my heart aches for you. He seems like an amazing person. I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Please know that we are thinking about you and your little one. Take care!
Dear Emily:
We are extremely saddened by the untimely events which have transpired. The faith exhibited in the few words you've shared on your blog is more than inspiring. What a wonderful mother you will be! Many thoughts and prayers (including ours) are with you and your family.
Magalei's
Thank you for posting this. Jozie and I will try to be there tonight (Thursday). I love you.
Your words on this site are so beautiful about your husband. You will forever be in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cheryl (Larsen) Richards
Emily-
The pit in my stomach when hearing of this is ceratinly nothing compared to the emotions you are facing. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for you to find peace. Best wishes with the amazing pregnancy...I hope you are healthy and strong to bring little Jr. into the world. Know of my love - even if it has been so long.
You are strong and blessed to have the perspective of the gospel. I, too, hope that the happy times remembered will help you pull through.
sincere love
-Sarah (Dresher) Nelson
p.s. although I have not not formally added my blog to the BHS99site...I'd love to keep tabs with you, Emily. I don't expect an email from you anytime real soon (but would love one) When you get a chance send me your email address. Know that you still have a friend in me. My email is sarah_d_nelson@yahoo.com
-Sarah Dresher
Emily,
This is Kirsten Fuller (Vigil) from BHS. I'm terribly sadden about this horrible situation you are having to deal with. He seemed like an amazing person. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.
-Kirsten
I just saw this from the Bountiful High website too and I am just crying for you. I can't imagine your pain and I just really want you to know you will be in my prayers. I truly am so sorry for your loss. - Kacee (Erickson) Preston
You have never met me... But, i wanted to express my condolences. Let me know if there is anything i can do to help you!
Families are so precious.
I also want to invite you to visit my blog: www.heidithesweetheart.blogspot.com
Wow. I had no idea. Emily, it has really been a comfort to me to read of your example of faith and courage. Thank you for writing this blog.
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