Allen R. Milne

1921 - 2023

Allen Ritchie Milne, born in Vancouver, BC. Passed away at his home in Berwick Royal Oak Retirement Community with his daughter, Anne, by his side.
Allen grew up hiking and skiing the West Coast Mountains near Vancouver. He enlisted for WW11 and became an RCAF pilot, along with his friend, Leonard Allman, earning a special accommodation for predicting the weather for D Day. His friend was killed when shot down.

After the war, Allen married his friend's sister, Laura Milne, in Toronto. Earning top honours in Physics at McGill, Allen moved Laura and 2 children to Victoria to work at the Defence Research Establishment Pacific and became a leader in Arctic research. Robert (Robbie) was born. Upon early retirement, worked 1974-79 at the Institute of Ocean Sciences, Saanich. In Monterey, California, he was a visiting professor at the Naval Postgraduate School. Back to Victoria to lead environmental studies for Dome/Esso/Gulf Oil interests in the Canadian Arctic. Lastly, between 1984-86, a member of the West Coast Environmental Panel.

Allen and Laurie were world travellers, enjoying hiking, skiing, adventuring and learning about the world, such as New Zealand, India, Europe, and North America.

Community volunteering played a large part in their lives. Allen was a scout leader, church president, sketch club president and much more. Laura died in 2013 while living at Kiwanis Residential Care Center while Allen carried on for a number of years in their Saanich townhouse, Quail's Run, before moving into Berwick Royal Oak retirement, where he happily spent the remaining 15 years.

Thanks so much to all the staff, and to his special caregivers. You know who you are. Also much thanks to his physician, Dr. Gilbert Chew, for his decades providing kind and knowledgeable care of Allen and Laura, and then of Allen.

Besides being a top scientist, Allen was a wonderful artist, athletic person, and wrote many scientific articles, his own history and history of Unitarian Church in Canada. One of his watercolours, an Icebreaker in Arctic ice, is currently hanging in Government House, with the Sketch Club's display.

I will not name all his accomplishments. To his family he will always be remembered as a wonderful father, husband, grandparent and great grand parent.

Predeceased by Parents, Archie Milne 1895-1981 and Gertrude Milne 1892-1988. Wife Laura, 1924-2013, youngest son, Robert Wesley Milne and siblings, Greta Young and Wesley Milne. Plus, dear friend, Melrose Moilliet.

Survived by daughter Anne Harrison (Rick) of Duncan, BC, son Allen Milne Jr. of Vernon, BC. Grandchildren, Wendy Brass and Daimien Boughen (Barbara), Kalyne McIvor (Andrew), step grandchildren Michelle Harrison (Patrick) and Jenna Harrison (Cam). 17 great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren, plus 2 great great-grandchildren. Mourned by relatives, friends and all whom Allen touched with his presence, work and adventures. Special mention to dear Ruth Ralston.