Robert Allin Folinsbee
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of former Joint Program Student Robert Allin Folinsbee on November 5, 2013. He was 68.
Allin died doing what he was absolutely passionate about. Sadly, Allin, an avid hunter and outdoorsman, died of hypothermia during an expedition west of Nordegg, AB, Canada.
Born in Calgary on January 29, 1944, Allin was a man who had a tremendous passion for living, for his work and for his family who loved him deeply. A lifelong learner with a Ph.D. from the MIT/WHOI Joint Program in geophysics, his tremendous intellect touched everyone he knew – you could ask him anything and he would tell you all about it! Allin was a man of many talents and interests; could fix anything, and go from running the tractor in the afternoon on the Springbank farm to a black tie event in the evening at Government House.
Frequent travelers, Allin and his wife, Alice, took a three-week holiday to Spain this fall that he described as “the best trip I’ve ever been on,” enjoying red wine, eating fresh hazelnuts and shelling almonds, and spending time with friends and family. What we will miss the most is hearing his laugh, seeing him working in the garden, his guidance and advice, and how he encouraged us to do our best. He always worked very hard, did his best and taught us that “we could do it.” We love him and will always remember his smile and enthusiasm; we will miss him every day and are grateful for a life well lived.
He was a good husband, father and grandparent and is survived by his adoring wife, Alice Payne of 26 years, and his children Ian, Katherine, and Stuart; brothers John (Peggy), Terry (Peter); and, sister Katy (Tarjei); grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Family and friends celebrated Allin’s life on November 11, 2013, at Canada Olympic Park, 88 Canada Olympic Road S.W., Calgary, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Allin’s name to Ducks Unlimited or to the CR Stelck Petroleum Geology Chair: attention Kim Taylor, University of Alberta, Faculty of Science, 6-189 CCIS, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2E1. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com.
Information for this obituary is from the Calgary Herald.