Allen Bannatyne Stoneman, our dear husband, father, Jumpertz, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully in the wee hours of the morning on January 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Allen was born on November 9, 1953 to William Harper Stoneman and Jamesina Bannatyne Stoneman. With siblings Catherine, Bill, John and Mary, he grew up in the Salt Lake Avenues on B Street, the site of Stoneman Grocery.
Allen married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Ruth Bay Gibbons, on October 10, 1975. They are the blessed parents of five magnificent children: Ben, Sam, Molly, Max, and Augie, later adding remarkable spouses: Melissa, Kelli, McKay, Brooke, and Janel. Allen and Ruth are the beaming grandparents of twelve grandchildren: Gunther, Calvin, Colin, Kayla, Henry, Graham, Elliott, Georgie, Max, Andy, Rosie, and Felix.
Allen always brought life and fun to everything he did. From his early theater roles in "Promised Valley" with his siblings, to playing Charlie Brown at West High School, to Lazar Wolf, Scrooge, and Pish-Tush at Pages Lane Theater.
Allen earned a bachelor's degree in business at the University of Utah, and pursued a successful career in marketing.
Allen was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in many capacities. His devotion is most readily demonstrated by 25 years of service in the young men's and scouting program, an affliction he bore with good cheer and the patience of Job.
At Allen's passing, he was serving as the Bishop of the Canyon Road Ward in Salt Lake City. Sharing in the family's heartbreak of his loss are the members of his flock who dearly loved their Bishop, and whose Bishop dearly loved them.
Allen has been a constant and a touchstone and a pure delight in the lives of all of his family, both immediate and extended. Whether he was giving you a tease, supporting you in performances, offering advice, or just putting in his oar, he always made you his highest priority.
Survived by wife, Ruth; five children, Benjamin (Melissa), Samuel (Kelli), Molly (McKay), Maxwell (Brooke), and Augustus (Janel); four siblings, Catherine, Bill, John, and Mary; and twelve grandchildren. Preceded in death by his father and mother, who lovingly referred to him as "a peppery wee bugger."
Funeral services will be on Friday February 8, 2019 at 11 AM at the Ensign Stake Center located at 135 A Street, Salt Lake City. Viewing will be Thursday February 7 from 5-7 PM at Larkin Mortuary, 260 E South Temple.
