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TRAER ALLEN Obituary
1931 - 2015. Dr. Traer Van Allen passed away peacefully following a stroke on November 16, 2015. Traer served as Chief Resident Psychiatrist and ultimately Clinical Instructor at Cornell University Medical College. Early in his medical training he specialized in Child Psychiatry. Later, Traer dedicated himself to working with adults and was in private practice from 1963 - 2010 whilst teaching at Roosevelt and New York Presbyterian Hospitals. Traer stood out among New Yorkers not only as a tall fellow, but also as a man of great warmth, kindness and curiosity. He was adored by the elderly and earned the affection of children at every family gathering. In the words of a friend, Traer was one of the last true gentlemen. While Traer's avocation was genealogy and history of his native Canada, his passion was design. His conversation was filled with asides that could honor the innovation of a Slant Six engine, the precise color of Egyptian papyrus grass or the simple beauty of a farmhouse staircase. He was fun to listen to but also an empathetic listener. He revitalized four homes near the St. Lawrence River in Canada, one that had been in the family for generations and another that became the Van Allen Archives, a resource and library for the community and surrounding universities. His unique intelligence and humor was influential in the lives of colleagues, friends and family. Traer will be greatly missed but remembered with love and deep appreciation for his life. Traer is survived by his sister, Louise Van Allen Tarleton (Hillsborough, CA); her daughters, Leslie Hayne (Oakland, CA), Courtney Hayne McDowell (Brooklyn, NY); nephews, nieces, Godchildren and a wide range of friends.
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Maryalice Hayunga Fuller
November 16, 2024
Still miss speaking with Traer who knew more about our family history than anyone else. When I wondered to him why my great grandfather and I shared some slight Asian facial features, he explained about the Mongol reach into northern Europe so long ago. An ancestry test I took after his passing proved Traer correct. Wish I could have shared that bit of family history with him! He was a wonderful teacher and friend.
Gary and Milet Lukey
March 16, 2024
We cherish fond memories of Traer, his warm hospitality and friendship. We remember him fondly as we look upon his wedding gift to us 34 years ago. Gary and Milet Lukey
Marnie Johnstone-Primrose
November 16, 2022
We still miss you Traer at our table on special occasions and awesome conversations. Always in our hearts. R.I.P. my dear cousin.
George & Norah Ward
November 16, 2021
Traer was a good fellow who is missed and fondly remembered by all.
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MARIO Pronovost
May 30, 2021
To the family all my sympathies. Traer has been a true gentleman to whom it was always great full to be with. I have been fortunate to cross his roads. May God blesses you my friend.
Mario
Marnie Johnstone-Primrose
December 22, 2020
Still missing having you for our Xmas Dinner every year. This year is more difficult than most. You were an inspiration to us all with your wit, charm and knowledge. R.I.P my dear cousin.
George & Norah Ward
November 16, 2020
Traer was a good fellow who is missed by our family, including our selves in Ontario with cousins in New York City and Georgia. Our family had the pleasure of Traer's company several times. We all appreciated Traer's historical research of the Hayunga family and also his collection of records he not only related to us but accumulated and maintained in the White House on the St. Laurence. The descendants of the Hayunga family including the Tobins, the Brennans, the Fullers and the Wards all miss you Traer.
Belle Fox-martin
June 9, 2016
Thank you for being in touch and telling me of the memorial service you had in NYC. I am glad to hear that you read my corrispondance
With him. HE always said that he was going to package up all of those letters and send them to me. I think he was hoping for a book. I always thought him to be a rather amazing person - thoughtful, kind, intellectual nd with a good sense of humor. He will always remain in my prayers of gratitude.
Grace Meikle (Lundy)
January 25, 2016
Dec. 22nd 2015
I was so sad to hear of Traer's death, I can barley write these few lines. I was wanting Traer's company for a much longer time. I do have fond memories of all the times we spent going back and forth between the houses in Morrisburg. It was great fun for Traer to show me the latest refurbished furniture and the renovations that had been completed in the house I grew up in.I will miss him dearly.
ghislaine roederer
January 19, 2016
i owe Traer so much......Bon voyage, mon ami et mille mercis. Avec toute mon affection, Ghislaine
Belle Fox-Martin
January 4, 2016
Traer was my doctor when I was in my teen and remained a close friend for 45 years. He had an abiding warmth, a keen humor and a wonderful mind. God Speed, my friend.
Mark N. Van allen
December 27, 2015
I am saddened to hear of Traer's passing. He was my uncle and brother of my father Eric. I remember as a child In Vancouver, British Columbia my sister Susan, brothers Chris & Andrew and I speaking to to him on the phone. When we were children, Traer sent cards and gifts to us. My mother Pam made sure we wrote thank your letters. One gift that he sent to me was a New England Scrimshaw kit containing a 4 inch whale tooth. The idea is to etch an image on the tooth (I still have it). About 20 years ago my sister received a unique package from Traer. It contained information and reproductive photographs of our ancestors that we've never seen before. Several years ago, I discovered a photograph of myself as a toddler with my mom and Traer. It was taken (late 1962?) in the waiting lounge of the airport in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I was too young to remember and sadly we never met again. However, I am proud Traer kept track of our family history.
Mark Newton Van Allen
Marilyn/ Joe Hunt
December 27, 2015
Traer was a dear friend of our family from the time he was a young medical student at McGill University. We remember the Christmas Eve dinners he generously hosted for his Morrisburg friends. We enjoyed our visits in recent years to share family histories and learn of his desire to make the old stagecoach stop and J.H. Meikle home into a community museum.We will miss him.Our sincere condolences to the VanAllen family, Marilyn and Joe Hunt and the Meikle family
Crysler's Farm April 2008
Allan Kleywegt
December 24, 2015
Traer was a dear friend, whom I felt privileged to know. He was insightful, generous and kind. He had a modest approach that was charming. He was a collector of friends. He is happily remembered and sadly missed.
Angela & David Marchand
December 9, 2015
Traer was truly an inspiration to my husband & I. We will miss him dearly!
You, Traer, were truly one of the last gentleman around. Rest in Peace my friend xo
pierre lefebvre
December 8, 2015
It was a pleasure to have known Mr. VanAllen for the past several years he had a passion for historical pieces which he collected over the years and share their history. Will be remembered
December 2, 2015
We've known Traer as his neighbour on the St. Lawrence river for 20 years. We loved his humour and passion for life. We will miss him and extend our heartfelt condolences to Louise and the family.
JoeAnne, Thomas, Michael, Ava, Victor and Kennedy Henter-Morrisburg, Ontario.
November 30, 2015
I didn't know Traer as well as some, but I know he was a good friend to my dad, Dr. Betancourt, and for that I am deeply grateful. Really sorry to hear this news, but reassured it was peaceful. My thoughts are with the family.
Franceska Gnarowski
November 29, 2015
Traer was the rare gem of a man we were privileged to know for a number of years. His humanity, intellect, sensitivity, generous hospitality and wonderful sense of humour will be greatly missed. Our condolences to his family and community of friends.
Franceska Gnarowski
November 29, 2015
Traer was a rare gem we had the privilege of knowing over the past several years. His humanity, intellect, sensitivity, generous hospitality and wonderful sense of humour will be missed. Our condolences to his family and community of friends.
Jim Cooke
November 27, 2015
SIncere condolences Louise, and to all your family. We feel so honored to have connected with Traer through Dad recently - such a generous and gracious host, his passion for life and vibrancy put us to shame! Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Sincerely, Jim and Pete
November 27, 2015
To the Allen Family. I would like to extend my condolences on your loss of your dear loved Mr.Trear. May fond menories of him comfort you in this time of sorrow. The holy book mention the God of comfort comfort in time of distress,
JRD From New York City
Jim Traer and Traer VanAllen
Maribeth & Jim Traer & family
November 26, 2015
A wonderful addition to the Traer family. We miss him already. Our Thanksgiving this year won't be the same without his presence.
November 26, 2015
Traer was a real gentleman and will be sadly missed. He was an inspiration to everyone who met him. We will remember him very fondly. Rest in peace, you certainly deserve to.
The Bouck Family, Iroquois, Ont. Canada
catherine brown
November 25, 2015
Sending my sincere condolences. The Locke family loved our cousin and enjoyed many happy times with him...so very sorry to hear this news. Catherine brown.
Russel Patterson
November 23, 2015
A fine person; we'll miss him greatly.
Fred Moqtaderi M D
November 23, 2015
A scholar and a good friend. Will miss him greatly.
HOPE WEGNER
November 22, 2015
OUR SINCERE SYMPATHY LOUISE,GEORGE AND FAMILY. I WILL MISS OUR PHONE CALLS AND ALL THE LAUGHS WE SHARED. A VERY SAD DAY.
Marnie Primrose
November 22, 2015
We are so saddened to hear of Traer's passing. He will be missed by his family and friends here in Ontario. My sincerest sympathy to Louise and family.
Allan Inglis
November 22, 2015
Traer was one of the last true gentlemen. A friend and a treasure. He will be sorely missed. The Medical Strollers will miss his kind face and words and knowledge of the history.
November 22, 2015
We are so saddened to learn of Traer's passing. We grew up with him living beside us in Morrisburg and have so many memories of your aunts and of Traer's many passions-his home,the gardens,his parties and love of people.To clarify-I was fortunate enough to have him drive us to and from the church in his Jaguar the day I was married-always a gentleman-and such fun!!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.Know that we will never forget him.
-Barb Gatehouse (Thom), Windsor Ont.
James Shepherd-Barron
November 22, 2015
The most wonderful man. Traer was much loved by multiple generations of Shepherd-Barron's. We will all miss him very much.
Mike and Maryalice (Hayunga) Fuller
November 22, 2015
We are very saddened to hear of Traer's passing. We spoke with him this past August and he was looking forward to hosting another cousins weekend in Morrisburg to show us all his recently acquired family artifacts and history. His wit, graciousness and depth of knowledge of our family's genealogy (and many other subjects) will be greatly missed.
George & Norah Ward
November 22, 2015
Traer was always a pleasure to be with. He was a treasured friend. Traer educated the family of our Hayunga heritage for which we will always be grateful.
Traer is a fellow who will be missed.
Love Norah & George Ward
eric thom
November 22, 2015
A magical man, Traer should be known for his many personable gifts, if not his perpetual smile and the positive attitude behind it. He lived a life of intrigue, seemingly - with a home in two places and a dedication to detail that was fascinating. Chauffeur to my sister (we were neighbours) in one of his signature Jags, he was also a closet historian bent on preserving and protecting many of the things the rest of us take for granted or completely pass by. All in all, he's an individual I certainly wish I knew much better than I did. He - and his significant spirit - will be truly missed and never forgotten.
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