Victor Allen

So sorry to hear about Vic's passing. He was a formative influence on many of us at Richard Brancker Research. His purchase order, attached, for our very first data logger started a business which continues to flourish today. Many thanks, Vic, for your enthusiasm and confidence in us. You planted an acorn for a mighty oak.

So sorry to hear of your loss. We met Vic through parties held at the Allen house for Christmas and to welcome new students to the Earth Sciences Department at SFU. Vic was kind, thoughtful and welcoming. He will surely be missed. Our thoughts are with you, especially over this holiday season. ❤️

I met Vic at SFU as a grad student. Even though he was always muttering something or other, we all knew Vic was a very kind person. Vic showed me how to use the machine shop and never said no when I needed help with anything. He will be missed for his sense of humour, his quality of work and just his presence! Deepest condolences to Vic's family and friends.

My deepest condolences to Aunt Diana, Katherine, Andrew and Watson on their loss. It's hard to believe that our dear Uncle Vic is gone. My childhood memories include driving to Osgoode with my Dad and Mom, Mike and Glenda Erdelyi, and my brothers to visit our Uncle, Aunt and cousins. Katherine, Andrew and I would eat peas straight from their vegetable garden. Uncle Vic would let my brothers and I drive his riding lawnmower and he taught us how to throw a frisbee for Mycroft. He took us to the CN Tower with his family and I remember him explaining how trains and railways work as we made our way into the city on the subway. I have a fond memory of he and Aunt Diana making our whole family laugh so hard that the grown-ups were crying at my Aunt's house in Ottawa. As I grew up, I loved hearing stories of his many adventures, particularly the ones that involved my Dad (and the way they would get these silly grins as they reminisced of old times and friends). I appreciated his clever sense of humour: intelligently dry but absolutely hilarious. As time went on, we did not get to see each other as often as I know we would like but he always made the effort to come visit us and ensured he was there for special "Getting really old" birthdays. He and Aunt Diana made my husband J.R. and our son Jerry feel so welcome while we stayed at their home for a visit and to explore BC in 2012. It was clearly evident how respected and helpful he was to his neighbours as we went for walks around their home. He loved his family very much and was so very proud of his children and their many accomplishments. It is hard to believe that we won't hear his voice again on the phone or receive his thoughtful e-mails or greetings cards. I will truly miss you Uncle Vic and finding spiders in your beard.

Good friends and good times. December 1989

Vic reached great heights in doing field work - sometimes of absolute necessity. Here he is perched on top of a Christmas tree helping (Alan and Midge Judge in the foreground) to run a borehole temperature log down an abandoned oil exploration well. Summer 1978.

Photo from winter 1977 jet drilling field work using the frozen Beaufort Sea as our platform. My first field work with Vic. The red hue is from the red tent which housed our jet drilling rig. The small flame is Vic igniting some of the gas escaping from the drillhole.

Behind every good scientist is a great technologist. In all my years working with Vic, beginning in 1976 and ending circa 2000, he was the technical backbone of our heat flow and permafrost research group (shown in this 1986 photo) at the Earth Physics Branch / Geological Survey of Canada in Ottawa. I don’t think any of the field work or lab work would have been possible without him. He organized us all, and more than supported us all. He was meticulous, knowledgeable and inventive, encouraging and loyal. I had the good fortune and pleasure to work with him in several parts of the country, on land and at sea (a few more pictures follow). He was a good and loyal friend as well as colleague. Though we saw each other less frequently once he moved west, we kept in touch. And it was my great luck to have seen him just this summer when I was out in B.C Rest in peace Victor Samuel. My condolences to your family and loved ones.

Vic was a great teacher and colleague always ready to help and share his knowledge. He was very easy to talk to because of his positive and happy personality. We shared many stories and had many laughs. And he would always light up when he talk about Katherine and Andrew.

We last spoke at Ken's retirement party. He did not change a bit, sincere with a unique sense of humour. Vic will be greatly missed.

Condolences to Diana, Katherine, Andrew and Watson and extended family.
Vic was a wonderful colleague and great friend and will be much missed. Vic
and I first met in the hallowed halls of the Dominion Observatory some fifty
years ago. Since that time I don’t think there is any corner of this incredible
country where we haven’t done field work. At one stage we probably knew
more people in Inuvik than in Ottawa. Of course it helped that Vic shared his
name with the Delta’s reindeer herder. Vic had the talent of being able to make
equipment from almost nothing, just access to a local scrapyard. A talent he
shared with his seventeenth century hero Robert Hooke. The title of a
biography about Hooke ‘A Restless Genius’ probably sums up Vic very well.
I have much enjoyed our lengthy and wide ranging chats of recent years.
So many great memories! Safe journeys in your new world Vic, you will be
much missed in this one.

As a neighborhood friend of Vic’s it has been a real treat for me to be in his orbit. Over the years we have spent hours in conversation and saw eye to eye on so many things. He’s been a guest in my workshop and Patio as I too have marveled at the handiwork in his shop. Our Dogs were always in the mix. I thought I had a few tales of my own Northern adventures but Vic had me beat pretty handily. Between the two of us we shared a lot of fun stories. I'll miss him.

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Vic's sudden passing. Vic was one of the first people I worked with after I joined SFU Physics, and he was extremely helpful to me and my group members as we built up a new research lab from scratch. Vic was a wonderful person, with a dry sense of humor that made it a pleasure to work with him. It was very clear to me how deeply he loved and was proud of his family members. My condolences on your loss.

I met Vic in the fall of 1980. I was fresh out of Algonquin College with an electronics technologist’s diploma under my belt and had landed a contract position for 6 months with Energy Mines and Resources, Earth Physics Branch in the Seismology department at the Experimental Farm in Ottawa. Vic had an office in the Geo Physics department which was down the hall from where I worked in the seismic lab. I often went down to his office for coffee or lunch and we quickly became friends. Our departments were closely linked and on occasion did field work together. He became my mentor and guided me through the complex world of government which he knew so well. He was well liked and respected by everyone who worked with him.

In the spring of 1981 as my contract drew to an end and after making an unsuccessful attempt to secure a permanent position, I began the search for another job. When Vic learned of my situation he picked up the phone and called the owner of a company that had made custom field instruments for him. He arranged an interview for me and in doing so changed the direction of my life.

I was offered and accepted a full time position with Richard Brancker Research Ltd. where I worked for the next eighteen years. Two years later in 1983, Richard hired a new employee, Norma Eckford, to manage the office. Norma and I married in 1985 and have been together for 37 years. In 1987 I started a machine shop in my garage which I worked at part time.

Vic loved machine shops so I asked him if he would like to work in the shop. We worked evenings together in the shop for about a year and he enjoyed every minute. When I took delivery of my first new lathe Vic was more excited than I was. The truck arrived at about 9:00 PM during a bad snow storm a week before Christmas. Vic helped me get the lathe off the truck and wouldn’t leave until it was installed. He left for home at 1:00AM in the blinding snow and didn’t get home until almost 3:00AM.

Vic was a dear friend to both Norma and I and we are grateful to have him known him.

Rest in peace Vic.

We originally met Vic when our dog Ben made friends with Vic's dog Toby. Since retirement we would meet up several times a week, either on the street or in our driveway, and try to solve the world's problems. But the politicians weren't listening to us, were they Vic ?!
On these occasions Watson would become very bored listening to our discussions and made it obvious that he wanted to return home.
Vic was a very caring neighbour and more than once he mowed our lawn will we were away. Our condolences to Diana and family. We will miss you, Vic.

I am so very sorry to hear about Vic's passing, I was the secretary at the Physics Department where Vic and Mike Erdelyi were students. Vic was a serious, kind, funny and such a wonderful friend. There are so many stories and good times during the 4 years they were students. My sincere condolences to Diana, their children and all that knew Vic.

Dear friend Vic. We will miss seeing and talking to you during your daily walks with Watson. You made us laugh lots of time
with your stories especially when you told us about how Watson would make you drop everything when he looked out your
front window, saw our garage door open ,then started howling to get your attention- it was his way of saying let's go dad,
there are my favorite liver treats in that garage. You will be missed Vic, Rest in peace. Our hearts go to Diana and your children.

Vic's passion for things that were either unique or well built rubbed off on me as I look back at the times we spent together. He took me to see the clock in Gastown, and took me on a tour of the University's Physics department where I was able to see some very unique experiments the students were running, including a reactor and the cryogenic area (super cool stuff!).

Of course his love of woodworking was hindered in his later years as time takes its toll on all people, as his hands weren't as strong as they used to be. But he still took pride in all those endeavours, including a woodworking project he worked on for the physics department, something he would truly enjoy working on.

Talks at Christmas always included our love for scotch, as I would send him a unique one now and then as a gift (one he sometimes couldn't get in BC), and now I raise my glass and offer him a toast of Glenmorangie, of days gone by and those yet to come for those left behind.

My mom and I will miss him, and my condolences to DD, Kat, Andrew, and Watson (we can't forget about the dog...), who will miss him even more.

I had the privilege of working with Vic during his years at SFU Physics.
Vic was a pleasure to work with, always glad to give a hand and grateful
when the favor was returned. Our time together was filled with discussions
ranging from our dogs to global warming.

We were often moving things around the Physics Department everything from office
chairs to giant one ton optical tables even refrigerators on occasion.
Whenever one of these moves came up Money For Nothing by Dire Straits would come
to mind.

My condolences to Diana, Katherine and Andrew
Rest in Peace Vic

I had the privilege of giving Vic a tour of the Physics Department at SFU immediately following his interview for a position in the Department. He immediately impressed me with his knowledge, competence, wide range of interests and experience, and general understanding. Vic brought a broad range of skills and competence and, almost above all, a sense of calmness to the Department. It was always a pleasure to discuss everything with Vic - physics problems, where to find a 3-56 bolt, travel, life problems .... . Vic was a great guy. I am deeply saddened by his passing. My sympathy and best wishes to Vic's family.

When Vic arrived in the SFU Physics Department, as he was wandering the corridors he noticed on a high shelf outside my lab a box labeled “KITTIGAZUIT”. From his work in Ottawa, Vic was familiar with Kittigazuit, a geological formation on the arctic coast in the vicinity of Tuktoyaktuk, but what the heck is this box doing here in a physics department, he must have thought to himself. I was the only person who knew the answer, but I was away on one of my visits to the Physics Department at the University of Adelaide. When I finally returned I was greeted by a very agitated Vic, desperate to know the answer.

The box had been sent to me, unbidden, by Scott Dallimore, a geologist at the Geological Survey of Canada in Ottawa. He had been hoping that I would date the sand samples for him. But, he had not provided me with an incentive to work on them, i.e. a scientific argument for the importance of any such dates (and possibly some money). Thus, the box lay there untouched until I had to move it when my lab moved. Now Vic enters the story again. By then Scott had moved to the Pacific Geoscience Centre (PGC) near Victoria and Vic volunteered to take the box to Scott on one of his occasional visits, and did so. I was very grateful.

Vic came to my rescue again when I needed to return some samples from the Taglu core, also from the arctic. These had been collected by Scott, and sent to me, still frozen, for me to test our dating methods. They had been thermally insulated and placed in a standard cooler and given to Air Canada to send directly to me, including by taxi from the Vancouver airport. For reasons unknown, Air Canada removed the cooler from the plane in Winnipeg and left it on the tarmac until a later flight. This would have been disastrous had it been summer for the samples would have melted and become useless to me, but, fortunately it was winter and the samples were fine. Years later Vic took what remained of the samples, still frozen, to Scott at the PGC. I had to tell Scott that they were not as old as he had thought. I never heard back from him.

Dear Uncle Vic,
Although thousands of miles away, you never forgot a birthday or a milestone of mine, "Your favorite Niece" as you would address me in every email you sent making me feel special. Even though I was your only niece I loved you very much. I enjoyed your cute Pictures of your Dog Watson and how much you loved our Dogs just like Grandpa! It was super nice to hear how happy woodworking made you and how happy you were to refinish furniture for Katherine, Daddies little girl. My best memories growing up was in Grandpas Workshop woodworking and neatly putting every tool back exactly where it belonged which I am positive you did also :) I loved how proud of Katherine and Andrew you were and it shined through your emails, they had a fantastic loving father.

Having a very small family I was very happy to have you as my Uncle and thank you for always being so proud of me and loving me from miles away, attending my wedding and coming to meet My Son Keidon when he was born, it never went un-noticed and I wish you peace wherever you are and I will think of you always. Miss you tons Uncle Vic. Onwards and upwards.

Love you Always,
Your Favorite (Only Niece) Conita Allen-Brown

I knew Vic from Algonquin College, I was the secretary for the Physics Department when both Vic and Mike Erdelyi were students. I am so sad to hear of his passing, I have so many wonderful and funny memories of Vic, I remember his kindness, his thoughtfulness; and a wonderful human being. My sincere condolences to his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. Thank you Mike Erdelyi for contacting me after all these years.

I was a student in Diana's lab for many many years, and had the opportunity to get to know Vic along that journey. He always listened with great interest to the idea of the hour, and the field exploits underway, and had ideas to overcome field challenges, usually followed by a story about one of his field adventures. Over the years, when I would call, I always looked forward to Vic getting the call first and our chance to chat and catch up, and him sharing about whatever project he had on the go and progress updates on them. Visiting the woodworking and long conversations about northern adventures was also a highlight for my husband. We both greatly enjoyed his company, and he will be missed.

I was a student in Diana's lab for many many years, and had the opportunity to get to know Vic along that journey. He always listened with great interest to the idea of the hour, and the field exploits underway, and had ideas to overcome field challenges, usually followed by a story about one of his field adventures. Over the years, when I would call, I always looked forward to Vic getting the call first and our chance to chat and catch up, and him sharing about whatever project he had on the go and progress updates on them. Visiting the woodworking and long conversations about northern adventures was also a highlight for my husband. We both greatly enjoyed his company, and he will be missed.

Working with Vic when at Earth' Physics Branch in Ottawa as NSERC post-doc 1978-1980 was great time for me. It was a time of friendship and professional help Vic was always ready to provide. One memorable time to me was the field trip with Vic and Alan Judge along the Rocky Mountain Foothills logging deep wells early Fall 1979. We kept in touch by phone after I left Ottawa for Edmonton and ne day Vic and Al Taylor visited me here early 80th. He was always fun to be around him. I will always remember his kindness, great sense of humor and professionalism.

I got to know Vic during my time at SFU as one of Diana's students. He was always so welcoming when I came to visit, and I have nice memories or our dinner time conversations.
My sympathies to Diana, Katherine and Andrew.

Forty years ago Ron introduced my girls and I to his friend Vic. Vic had already been a part of Ron and Joshua’s life for several years. Instantly, Vic became family – Sunday suppers, field work with Ron, boating on the St. Lawrence River, ski trips, motorcycle rides, his meeting and marrying Diana, and the birth of their children Katherine and Andrew.

Whenever Vic was back in Ontario he always made it a priority to stop in and visit, whether for family weddings or for his “Travels with Charlie”. Charlie, our standard poodle, adored Vic. Off they would go in our tiny Casita travel trailer visiting places in Texas, Florida, Georgia and places in between. Ron laughs and says he was happy to accompany them.

It’s difficult to imagine not getting those monthly phone calls from Vic and hearing him say, “I don’t want to talk to him yet, I want to talk to you – how are you doing?” Our children have been reminiscing about their “Uncle Vic”

Diana, Katherine, and Andrew… Vic was amazing – his passing leaves a huge hole in all of our lives. Oh, but the memories we all carry with us will leave us thinking of him and smiling. Lots of love and (((hugs))) from Ron, Monique, Joshua, Melanie, and Jennifer Good.

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Vic for over 12 years. He was a wonderful man and I always enjoyed spending time with him. He was a student of world events and we had many interesting conversations about the state of the world and how we would fix things ! I have a couple of memories that stand out. Firstly, it was always evident how much he loved Diana and his kids. I've never met Catherine or Andrew, but I followed all their adventures vicariously through our conversations. He was always so proud of how well they were doing - both with their careers and with their personal lives. Secondly, he had a great sense of (dry) humour and he was lots of fun. We also had lots of laughs together too. My thoughts are with Diana, Catherine and Andrew during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Generous, dedicated, loving, loved, sincere, considerate, loyal are just some of the adjectives that I would use to describe my friend and brother of many years. There are too many adventures, escapades and moments that we shared to enumerate here, but most people had not seen Vic without a beard. It did happen one summer in the early seventies as this photo shows (add handsome to the adjectives). Glenda tried to get him to shave again after she saw this photo, but he said "never again". He chose the "grizzly Adams" look and enjoyed having my children look for spiders in his beard. I am thankful for having Vic and his family in our life.

I also had the privilege to do northern fieldwork with Vic, like at the Inuvik Airport in 1987 where he discovered how un-fun doing geophysical surveys can be.

Vic played a very important role in my life. I met him when I got my first "real" job as a summer student at the GSC in Ottawa. Vic taught me the true meaning of scientific and technical rigour. He taught me that planning and experience really count when it comes to doing fieldwork. And he taught me how to be a good mentor and what it means to be a good friend. He was a very wise and caring man, he will be missed. My condolences to Diana, Katherine and Andrew.

Vic's technical skill and wry humor made him a delight to have in the SFU Physics Department, where he helped me navigate both experimental and administrative problems. I was saddened to learn of his passing and will always remember him fondly. My condolences to his family.

Vic was one of the first people I met when I arrived at SFU. Beyond his meticulous skill and dedication helping me get my lab set up, his welcoming friendship meant so much to me. I miss the chats and laughs we had through the years. My condolences and best wishes to his family and all his other friends.

I knew Vic from his time at SFU. We didn't know each other personally all that well, but we had many fun informal chats over the years. They always brightened my day (and often helped to get us out of a problem in the lab), and I miss him greatly.

Vic's importance as a friend in younger years has not diminished over time. Thank you for being there.
Rest easy friend

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Vic. Our family sends our sincere condolences to Diana, Katherine and Andrew.

Vic was known to our family as Uncle Vic. As expressed in other posts my Dad and Vic became friends, back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth (Uncle Vic's words). Although we weren't related by blood there was never a doubt he and the Allen's are family. I grew up with Uncle Vic being a big part of my life. There are so many memories I will cherish of our times together and later in life our phone calls. Uncle Vic was a kind and generous person and we miss him dearly.

Derek, Tifany, Chris and Logan 

I was shocked and very saddened to hear the news of Vic's passing. He was such a wonderful neighbour always wanting to help. My deepest condolences Diana. He will be greatly missed all.

My sympathies to Diana my niece and their two children -Katherine and Andrew. I liked Victor.

I had the privilege of working with Vic during his years at SFU Physics.
Vic was a pleasure to work with, always glad to give a hand and grateful
when the favor was returned. Our time together was filled with discussions
ranging from our dogs to global warming.

We were often moving things around the Physics Department everything from office
chairs to giant one ton optical tables even refrigerators on occasion.
Whenever one of these moves came up Money For Nothing by Dire Straits would come
to mind.

My condolences to Diana, Katherine and Andrew
Rest in Peace Vic

I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Diana, Katherine and Andrew. Wish I could hug each of you, reminisce and lighten your grief.
It was a roller coaster of emotion for us from the previous Wednesday when he collapsed at home and never regained consciousness.
Vic was our longtime friend and was more like a brother to Mike and I, as well as a dedicated Uncle to our children. Mike met him in his 2nd year (Physics) at Algonquin College in 1968. He showed up a month later to help Mike move his parents to their new home. I met Vic on Christmas Eve of 1975, the same evening that I met Mike. He was always there, ready to jump in/help out, even returning to our family events after they moved to BC, when Diana started teaching at SFU. He and Mike had conversations every Sunday evening at 7pm…they rarely missed.
It’s only beginning to sink in that he’s gone and we won’t be hearing his voice again. After a previous heart attack, a serious car accident…he always called as soon as he could…with a ‘You won’t get rid of me that easily!’
Oh Victor, you will be profoundly missed.

Thank you for making this world a softer place. Yesterday this song came on and the tears flowed…
https://youtu.be/eAR_Ff5A8Rk
I will think of you often and with love.
Always my dear friend. RIP.

Our monthly phone chats(rants) about books, his projects , my never ending farm Reno and politics kept us as close as 4000km allows.

Vic’s Travels with Charlie took us to Savannah, Florida, and New Orleans. I was simply honoured to accompany them.

Monique and I and our Children were fortunate to know Vic; he will be missed.

Vic was our neighbour for Sixteen years, when we lived in Pitt Meadows.When Vick would go out for his morning walk
with Watson, if Watson saw our garage door open he would trot over for a treat and chat.

Vic was a very helpful soul and will be greatly missed. RIP Vic.🌺🙏🌺

I've known Vic my entire life, and I have countless memories from childhood of spending time with the Allens. Vic was there when I learned to ski on a family trip to Mt. Hemlock - I remember him whizzing by as I fumbled my way down the hill. He was at our place with the rest of the Allen family during the blizzard of '96, when record snowfall postponed their return to the mainland. Vic always said he was a magnet for bad weather!

My most enduring memory, however, is the time I spent with Vic building an elevator. I was enrolled in the film program at SFU, and my graduation project was a short film involving two people stuck in an elevator. We built a set for the occasion, and Vic, with his love of woodworking and attention to detail, agreed to help. I always threatened that my next film would be set on a train! I'll never forget his generosity.

Vic, you will be dearly missed.

Vic was a fixture in the Somerset neighbourhood. He made friends wherever he went. I especially appreciate the kindness and compassion he showed our family in our darkest times. A wonderful person

I had the pleasure of working with Vic at SFU Dept of Physics. Vic was great to work with, did a great job managing renovations in the department, always had things to talk about, his exploits in the artic ( and battles with bugs ), his road trips he took with his friend...... , and I remember he had a love for wood working and single malt scotch. Vic always said SFU was a great place to work except for the students, but really, he went out his way to help anyone who needed it.
Rest in Peace Vic.

Vic was part of my life since shortly after I met Al and it's difficult to imagine a world without him. His frequent phone calls, especially when Al was ill, were always much appreciated. So many mental images over the years - of weddings and children, barbecues and pool parties, dog walks and bike trips, even a camping trip. And of course a number of New Year's Eve celebrations in Pitt Meadows, always at 9:00, Ottawa time. He was a true and loyal friend and will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to Diana, Katherine and Andrew.

Our Somerset neighbor Vic,

The Segarty family is so very much going to miss you. From the day we moved in 16 years ago, we knew that our home was always been looked after. You took time everyday to have a chat with Kevin and myself, aswell as catching up with Kialee and Tyson. We would discuss everything from the weather to what you were bbq'ng for dinner. You and Diana have become a big part of our family. I know that you will still watch over us , just in a different way. We promise to look after Diana & Watson❤️. Rest easy my friend.
Love Kevin, Bonnie,Kialee and Tyson
Xo

Myself and my Daughter CONITA will miss our emails and birthday wishes from Vic , I will miss the yearly calls that we made to each other , it never took long to update our news about family . We were a 4 person Family growing up and I always knew Vic was there for me . I will miss my big brother !

All I can say is thank you Vic for being the fine soul that you were and for sharing that lovely spirit with others. You are missed.

We have many fond memories of time spent with Vic and Diana and their children while we all lived in Osgoode, Ontario. Vic's
generous being will be missed. Our condolences Diana, Katherine and Andrew.