Mr Allen, who joined Guernsey Post at the age of 51, is still working part-time five days a week, and has no plans for retirement.
‘I just love it,’ he said.
‘Love the job, love the people and love the company.’
Originally from Ireland, Mr Allen lived in London for a while before being drawn to the island 56 years ago.
He changed career paths from the building trade to Guernsey Post on a quest for a better pension, and found a job that he never wants to give up.
He has worked in various roles for the post office, including processing, rounds, courier and PO boxes, where he now works. He said he has gained significant local knowledge, and friendships.
‘It keeps me active, and on the go all the time,’ he said.
‘And it gives me a sense of achievement. I’d fall into a rut and vegetate otherwise – if you don’t have anything to get up for, in the end you just don’t want to get up. This job, and now my grandkids too, keep me going.
‘I couldn’t retire, I think I’d deteriorate too quick – things get tedious. Even on holiday, after a few days I think “I wouldn’t mind being back at work”.’
He and wife have two daughters and five grandchildren, all living locally. The grandchildren are proud to tell people that grandad is a postie.
Steve Sheridan, chief executive of Guernsey Post, said Mr Allen was an example of why the company does not have a retirement age.
‘We believe opportunity should never be defined by age,’ he said.
‘We want people to have the flexibility to keep working for as long as they choose, and we recognise the enormous value that experience, personality and individuality bring to our organisation. Sammy is a brilliant example of exactly why this matters, and we were delighted to celebrate his 80th birthday with him.’
Guernsey Post celebrated Mr Allen with cake, balloons and a birthday post on its social media account. It had a record-breaking amount of likes and more than 200 responses.
‘Always smiling, always positive and bringing so much joy to everyone around him,’ the company said. ‘Sammy is truly one of a kind.’
Mr Allen said he has read and appreciates every response from well-wishers on the popular post.
‘I want to say thank you to everyone for the lovely comments, I’ve been blown away by them all,’ he said.
‘I’m going to keep going. It’ll be my health that’ll tell me when I have to go – or maybe the boss.’