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George Allen Obituary

died on May 9, 2011 at the age of 87. He was born August 16, 1923, in Kusnacht, Switzerland where his father was a U.S. Consul. His mother was a watercolor artist and avid tennis player. When George was four years old, his father was transferred to Calgary, Canada where he resided until he attended the University of Wyoming. George completed his undergraduate degree after serving three years in the United States military. He is a World War II Veteran. He completed his Master's and Doctorate studies at the University of Washington in 1956. During his last year at the "U Dub," he met and married Beverly Robinson, "that beautiful red headed woman who lived next door," and moved to Humboldt County to begin a 30+ year career at Humboldt State University (HSU) as a Fisheries professor. While teaching at HSU, George was a motivating force in helping build the University's fish collection into the fourth largest collection the state of California. He was also instrumental in establishing the HSU Oceanography program and developing the HSU graduate program in Fisheries. George's experience with wastewater aquaculture and his work with graduate students in raising trout and salmon in tertiary treated wastewater made him an excellent candidate to work in collaboration with the City of Arcata and Humboldt State University to create the internationally recognized artificial marsh wastewater treatment system which is part of the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS). The AMWS received an award and grant from the Ford Foundation making it possible to build the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Interpretive Center. For his work on the marsh projects, an AMWS marsh was named in George's honor. In 1985, shortly after he retired, HSU President Alistair McCrone awarded George the President's Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding contributions and service to HSU and the City of Arcata. In 2008, an Ichthyology Laboratory at HSU was named in his honor. Ultimately George was a modest man who gave credit to others. His greatest rewards have largely been the successes of his students, to whom he has been no less than inspirational. On the personal side, George was an avid fly fisherman and spent summers hiking and back packing with his family in the Marble Mountains, Trinity Alps, Wooly Creek and Willow Creek. The family's first trip was to Monument Lake, when their youngest child was age four, a six mile trip at that time. He was a collector of 'found objects' which he put together in his own inimitable style and placed them to be enjoyed around the family property. The family is deeply grateful for over 50 years of devoted friendships throughout Humboldt County, including Archie and Sue Mossman, a friendship sustained by weekly dinners that in later years included Phyllis Helligas, Bert Taylor, and Marilyn Walker. George had many university colleagues that he regarded with deep fondness, unfortunately space does not allow. He leaves his wife Beverly after 56 years of marriage, daughters Terryl Allen (Jim Lee) of Albuquerque , New Mexico; Wendy Burroughs of Bainbridge Island, Washington; Stasia (Jim) Buffenbarger of Eagle, Idaho; grandchildren Chelsea and Trent Burroughs, Hannah and Dylan Buffenbarger. The family is grateful for the support and compassion of the staff and residents at the Timber Ridge Retirement Community in McKinleyville, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in George's name to Friends of the Arcata Marsh (FOAM), PO Box 410, Arcata, CA 95518, www.arcatamarshfriends.org. A Celebration of George's life will be held Sunday, July 17, 2011, from 2 pm to 4 pm at the Humboldt Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Arcata, California. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard on May 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for George Allen

Not sure what to say?





Sam Navarez

March 25, 2012

I am sorry to hear of George's death. May you, Bev, and the rest of the family know and have the remembrance that he was a good, kind, and caring man. It was an honor knowing both of you and the rest of family. May God always keep and bless you all

With much respect,

Sam Navarez (a friend of Terryl from 1973 - 1976)

Lorna McLeod

July 16, 2011

George and Bev were dear friends to Joel and me when we lived in Humboldt County in the '70s and '80s. Among my dear memories is that of George standing in the middled of a creek on a large rock fly fishing. As he played out his ine, that fly would float out on the air for an impossibly long time and distance and land smack in the middle of the exact pool in the creek that was George's target. Within moments, it seemed, a large trout or steelhead would be on the line and he'd play the fish in, release it, and cast again. Sheer artistry!

Nancy Pedersen

July 8, 2011

My husband Steen thought that George was one of the most inspirational teachers he had in college and the fishiest man he knew. We both enjoyed his warmth and friendship over the years. Our thoughts are with Bev and the whole family at this time.

Steve Howard

June 28, 2011

I met George only a few times when I attended HSU but I was well aware of his huge contribution to the fisheries program in which I was benefiting. That very program is what prepared me for a very stimulating career. My thoughts are with George's family and thank you George for your invaluable contributions to our profession.

Bill Doo

June 18, 2011

Thank you Dr. Allen for all your inspiration in your Ichthy "Beasty" class.
Fisheries 1968

David & Lynn Kitchen

May 27, 2011

George was always one of my favorite people from the first time I met him when I came to Humboldt. He walked fast, talked fast and thought fast and I loved interacting with him when I needed help as a new faculty member. He was an inspiration as a leader of the graduate program and he taught me the true role of a faculty member. Later Lynn and I enjoyed our talks with him at Timber Ridge, and we looked forward to seeing him when we were there. We will miss his great good humour and friendship. He is one of those people a person will always remember in their lives.

Our deepest sympathy, Lynn and Dave Kitchen

Tam Maple Moreland

May 22, 2011

Dear Bev, Thinking of you in this sad time. with much affection,
Tam Maple Moreland

May 21, 2011

May 21, 2011

May 19, 2011

auntie bev & family i just found out about uncle georges passing.my heart is with all of you.memories are a helpful & wonderful tool at this time.all my love,jackie friesner(tollefson)

May 18, 2011

Love you dad! My garden blooms with blue for your eyes.

May 18, 2011

The early family years...

May 18, 2011

Heidi-Ho! and George

May 18, 2011

Beverly and George

May 18, 2011

Grandson number two!

May 18, 2011

staSia allen

May 18, 2011

For my daddy.

Not so long ago...

May 18, 2011

May 18, 2011

May 18, 2011

George Herbert Allen "baby"

May 18, 2011

Ron Fritzsche

May 18, 2011

Thanks George for being my mentor and friend. I will remember you always. My first introduction to the study of fish was through your course in ichthyology. Little did I know it would lead to my career. Thank you also for your friendship and guidance when I returned to HSU as the new ichthyologist.

John Hedgepeth

May 17, 2011

Thanks to George for mentoring when I was a graduate student. I'm thinking about the times he was directing his and everyone's energies at the Arcata fishponds. May that energy flow on.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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