I met Richard (Dick) way back in 1967 when he and my husband to be were room mates, and they were both in the US Armed Forces. He was much wiser then us, and he was working on  a very interesting research with the soldiers in the army. When my husband and I got married in 1968 our paths separated.

Then in 2019 I was visiting some friends in Baltimore and called him. He was happy to chat, and he said he was on his way to a conference in California, I believe. We talked about the old days, and then we switched to  talking about our families. He was so animated when he talked about his family, especially his children. He was so proud of them, and so proud of his grandchildren. He had something nice to say about each and everyone of them.  What a kind and loving family man he was!
Today, as I was browsing through my old picture collection, I came across some pictures of him that I thought  to send him.  I was searching for his address, and sadly, found that he passed away. 
I know he is missed by everyone, who ever met him, or knew him.

Enclosed are the pictures, I hope.





I became one of Dr. Allen's patients at Bayview in 1990-91. At that time, I was at the end of my ropes with this miserable RLS condition from which I could find no relief. But he found answers, and I honestly believe he saved my life!

We had a great relationship even though we were at opposite ends of the political spectrum and constantly ribbed each other. One of those exchanges became a useful prop in his work. One night, before an audience of doctors, with the video machine going and my RLS sensations driving me insane, we held one of our debates. But after a few moments of staged squabble, the sensations were gone! That emotional stimulation temporarily spurred my anemic dopamine production. He used that video in lectures. And while I haven't been outside the country, my legs have probably been around the world!

In closing, I speak for millions of RLS sufferers when I say that "Doc" Allen made the world incalculably better. Our lives too.

Mike Nortrup
York, Pa.

I had the amazing opportunity to have worked with Dr. Allen on RLS research during my undergrad at Hopkins from 2013-2016. It all started with a sleep medicine course I selected, that he happened to teach.

He was such a respectful, kind person, and was always so patient with mentoring me during my pre-med years. It was truly a delight as well as humbling to have worked with him.  I had always admired his remarkable work ethic and how incredibly sharp he was at his age, and bantered with him on several occasions that he was definitely sharper than my dad and probably me as well. 

Dr. Allen, you are an inspiration and I hope to be as half as brilliant as you were on my medical journey. Thank you for everything you have done to help me and the entire scientific community. 

Dr. Allen's work to share RLS research beyond academia brought RLS patients into a powerful dialogue that continues changing our lives.  After hearing Dr. Allen and Dr. Early speak at one of their conferences in the nineties, I immediately became a patient and began learning. He accepted question after question, listened and answered carefully with data.

As a prerequisite to treatment, Dr. Allen asked me to stop RLS meds for two weeks in order "to get an accurate baseline," which turned out to be severe RLS in all four limbs 22 hours a day. I marvel at the trust and commitment he engendered by answering my desperate phone calls with calm assurance and truthful explanations. When my entire extended family joined his genetic study, Dr. Allen made us feel like we were part of a team, making important science happen.

I haven't seen Dr. Allen in 15 years but feel an abiding gratitude for his contributions to Restless Legs Syndrome reserach

I had the wonderful experience of consulting with Dr. Allen in the early 2000's. His kindness cannot be overstated. And as a patient who had been getting anything from blank looks, to "here, try this (scary-sounding treatment)", the fact that I was finally talking to someone who knew what I was dealing with was breathtaking. 

To Dr. Allen's family and friends: I just wanted to say to you how thankful I am for the effect his work has had on my life. and how grateful I and so many thousands of RLS sufferers are for his pioneering work. He has touched many, many lives and made them better - even people who never interacted with him or his colleagues in any way. 

My profound sympathy to Robbie, Heidi and the other children who I haven’t met. Richard  was so proud of all of you. I met Richard in the 1980s when he joined my dissertation committee. He was brilliant and fun, always driven to improve life for those with RLS.  It is my distinct pleasure and honor  to have been his friend all these years. His loss is profound. Typical of him that he was so positive  about getting together later this winter. Know that the thoughts of all of us are with you. I know his memory will forever be a blessing. 

Richard and I have worked together on research to help patients with  dementing illness and restless legs syndrome associated sleep disturbances and behaviors for about 15 years.  He was a brilliant scientist, and a very caring person.  I will miss him greatly.  One of my favorite memories that shows  his caring side happened during writing an NIH grant application.  At that time,  the NIH funding line was at an all time low.  My colleagues had pretty much given up on this particular application, and I was all alone and very stressed -  working on the grant day and night.  To be honest, I was exhausted and discouraged.  I sent Richard an email asking for help, and he was amazing.  He talked me through several difficult points and helped with the writing.  Basically, he saved both my sanity and the grant.  

My wonderful brother.  I miss you already. You were so dedicated to your work and family. Always working so hard on your research, even on vacations. You were an amazing man, especially considering you came from such humble beginnings. I was so lucky to have you as a brother and you helped us so much when we lost our son. I will strive to keep our family connected, as you have done. I just find it hard to imagine a world without you. Love, your little sister Carol


I am brazilian ENT/sleep physician. I only met Prof. Richard Allen once, at the World Congress in Prague. At the moment that I saw him, I had a huge desire to embrace him, to show all my gratitude for what he did for RLS patients. I also have RLS and I take a very long way to know about this disease. Only in my formation as sleep doctor, I start to treat, and every paper that means had his name on it. So he changed my life and became my hero. The short time that I passed by him in this congress fulfill my heart with more admiration for his humility, humanity and diligence. Always in the first chair, on time, helping his students and giving opinions about RLS as if he didn´t know anything. Thanks, master, for everything. I didn´t know you well, but I´m sure that you are alive in all RLS patients and sleep doctor in world.

OBITUARY

Richard P. Allen

September 6, 1938 – December 9, 2020

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services