Dr. Allen Kellogg Philbrick, 94, Professor of Geography Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario passed away on June 27 in the University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
He is survived by the love of his life, Elaine Bjorklund Philbrick; son, Allen James Philbrick and daughter-in-law Kathleen of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandson, Jeffrey Allen Philbrick and wife Karen of Bristol; granddaughter, Kristen Eichler and husband Jeff of Louisville, Ky.; great-grandsons, Henry Eichler and Truman Eichler; nephew, John Kofler; nieces, Anne Kofler and Susan Kofler; and grand-nephew, Marshall Kofler.
He was predeceased by his son, James; sister, Jane Kofler; and step-grandson, Mathew Reed.
Born in Chicago, Ill., May 11, 1914, he was the son of two distinguished artists: Allen Erskine Philbrick, painter, Art Institute of Chicago, and Edith Lucretia Kellogg, pianist.
Allen’s talents in both music and art brought immense joy to him and to many others throughout his life. His music-making at the piano was a signature of his personality. Sketching and painting were an integral part of his life as a geographer and a lover of the humanized landscape.
Allen’s career was multi-faceted: art teacher, Carlinville, Ill.; labor organizer and early civil rights activist, St. Louis, Mo.; political illustrator for the St. Louis Dispatch; art director, Flint, Mich.; military service in WWII as Captain in the U.S. Army Air Force, Headquarters, 42nd Bomber Wing, anti-aircraft artillery officer; and city planner, Syracuse, N.Y. and Ogden Dunes, Ind. He served with distinction in the geography faculties of Syracuse University, The University of Chicago, and Michigan State University, before coming to The University of Western Ontario in 1965 to join the Department of Geography, until retirement in 1979.
Known for his inquisitive and creative mind, his geographical work focused on cartographic representation, global systems, geographic theory, and urban culture.
Throughout his life he had an abiding love for the state of Maine where he and Elaine spent their summers. He was an active member of the Sheepscot Valley Conservation Association.
His many accomplishments aside, AKP is most treasured for his loving nature by his devoted partner, Elaine, and his “pal forever,” A.J.
Cremation has taken place with remains to be interred in the Sheepscot Cemetery.
A memorial to celebrate Allen’s life is planned to take place in London, Ontario on Sun., Sept. 16.
