Richard Dean Allen

Richard was born in 1935 surrounded by the lush green corn fields of Dallas Center Iowa. Being raised on a farm likely sparked his life-long interest in biology and his passion for the natural world. After graduating from Dallas Center H.S. in 1953, Richard left the fields to obtain a B.A. degree in Biology from Greenville College, Illinois, then a M.S. degree in Botany from the University of Illinois. Richard later received a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Iowa State University; followed by a Postdoc in Cell Biology at Harvard University.

Richard moved with his family to Oahu, Hawaii in 1969 to accept a position in the Pacific Biomedical Research Center at the University of Hawaii as an Associate Professor of Microbiology. He worked as a graduate school professor and research scientist studying cellular membranes using electron microscopy and immunological and electrophysiological techniques. Richard became a leading scientist in his chosen field publishing over 100 papers in scientific journals in collaboration with colleagues.

Richard was an avid gardener with a bright green thumb, turning the backyard of his Kailua home into a private botanical garden where he cultivated rows of corn, tomatoes, and numerous other vegetables as well as lime, lemon, papaya, banana and tangerine trees. Following over 30 years of service at the University of Hawaii, Richard spent his retirement years traveling the globe visiting over 40 countries on six continents. He was an enthusiastic photographer capturing the flora and fauna seen throughout his expeditions. His annual “publication” of spiral-bound calendars filled with exotic birds and animals (titled with their scientific names) mailed to his family members will be greatly missed.

Richard is survived by his two sons: Steven Richard and William Scott; daughters-in-law Kristine and Bupha; grandchildren: Kevin, Jessica, Truston, Tahlia, Lola and Charlie; sister: Miriam Jeran; niece and nephews.

Richard was predeceased by his wife Marilyn Grace and his daughter Lorna Marie.

A private inurnment service will be held in August 2023. Contact the family for details: [email protected]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BorthwickOahu.com for the Allen family.