Aawok Jordan Ryan Allen was born on December 8, 1988 in Tempe, Arizona and left this world on September 8, 2021 in Eureka. He was a Yurok tribal member and also Karuk from Sahvuram and Tishavniik. He was raised by his grandfather Alme Allen living in Cave Junction, Oregon and moving to Orleans, to the family land on Camp Creek. He spent a lot of time in Hoopa with his grandmother Ethel Ruth Davis, the late Reggie Davis and other relatives. He attended Hoopa High and graduated from Captain John High school, later also graduating from the Le Cordon Bleu School of the Culinary Arts in Sacramento, class of 2013.

Jordan was a son, grandson, nephew and cousin to many. He was counted as a solid family member by many including the Davis family and the Reed family. He was almost everyone’s friend. Besides being an amazing cook and the life of the party, Jordan was an activist who spent time helping with the Undam the Klamath campaign and other environmental and Native advocacy efforts. He had an infectious laugh and was there to help anyone who needed it no matter how much or how little he had. He always said how it was and stated the facts, but at least made you laugh when he said it. Orleans or Panamniik, was his true home and he was always drawn back no matter how far away he traveled.

Jordan is preceded in death by his grandpa Alme Allen, great-grandparents Orvel and Mayme Allen, special cousin Grant Gilkison, and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jordan is survived by his great aunt Adrian Gilkison of Orleans, grandma Ethel Ruth Davis of Hoopa, uncle Floyd Florres of Arcata, aunt Debbie and uncle Bob Cooke of Grants Pass, close family Ron and Robyn Reed of Somes Bar, and many, many cousins and good friends whom he counted as family. We would like to acknowledge Nathaniel Pennington and all as friends who he definitely counted as family. He was loved dearly by many far and wide.

There will be a graveside service for family at the family plot. At 6 p.m. on Monday the 13th at the Department of Natural Resources parking lot in Orleans there will be a COVID-safe outdoor potluck and open mic to share our favorite Jordan stories and pictures. Please wear a mask and stay socially distanced. We have many elders we need to protect. Please bring a special dish and a mask.

Jordan and his late cousin aawok Grant Gilkison had a special bond and were both special men who are sorely missed by their hometown. We have decided to create a fund in their honor titled the Grant Gilkison and Jordan Allen Memorial Fund for Native Youth so future events and activities can be continued in their name. This was a cause that was dear to Jordan and we feel it is right to add his name to this fund. To donate to this fund please visit the Humboldt Area Foundation at: https://www.hafoundation.org/Giving/Give-Now and select their fund name from the cause menu.

Yootva, thank you.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jordan Allen’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.