Allan was the beloved soulmate and husband of Joyce Dunston, and the cherished son of Scottish immigrants Lt Cdr (E) Allan Reddoch and Mary Love Harvey. The family arrived in Ottawa in 1942 following his father’s Second World War posting there. Allan was an award-winning graduate of Lisgar Collegiate and then of Queen’s University (B.Sc. 1953, Engineering Chemistry; M.Sc. 1955). Following his studies in chemical physics at the University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D. 1960), he returned to Ottawa as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the National Research Council of Canada. He subsequently became a Research Officer there until his retirement in 1991. His work involved the application of electron spin resonance spectroscopy to a variety of studies in physical chemistry and solid state physics.
Allan’s interests were widespread and included astronomy, physics, history, woodworking, and eastern art and architecture. His memberships in Sigma Xi, The Ottawa Field-Naturalists’ Club (of which he and Joyce were made Honorary Members), The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, and similar organizations covered many decades.
Allan and Joyce’s long-term population studies of the native orchids of the Ottawa area spanned half a century and resulted in many publications, including their classic 1997 monograph “The Orchids in the Ottawa District: floristics, phytogeography, population studies and historical review”.
Allan and an Australian cousin traced their rather uncommon surname back to Glasgow and then to Linlithgow, Scotland, where their ancestors lived at least as far back as 1600, when the parish records began. Many of their ancestors were tailors. The Linlithgow Reddoch Family Tree can be found on Ancestry.com.
Kind, considerate and quiet to the end, Allan is survived by Joyce and by Reddoch first cousins Joan and Doreen, and by Harvey first cousin Fay, as well as more distant kin.
Many thanks to our friends for their condolences and offers of help. We appreciate greatly the professional and caring support of the Montfort Hospital and of the Elizabeth Bruyère Geriatric Day Hospital.
Allan’s ashes have joined those of his parents in the Reddoch-Dunston plot at Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa. Those who wish may make a donation in Allan’s memory to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
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Livre de visiteurs
Andrew Maw and Brigitte Lapointe
Gord Lois Duncan
Allan was a gentleman of the old school, a learned and considerate man.
We are saddened by his passing.
With our condolences and hugs for Joyce.
Christine Facette-Hills and Bob Hills
What an accomplished life! We had the pleasure of being next door neighbours to Allan for 16 years. Although being in a crowd was taxing for Allen's hearing, he faithfully attended monthly breakfasts and annual Xmas parties in the neighbourhood. We are grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, Allan. We will watch over Joyce in your stead.
Barbara Davies
We moved into the same house Allan and Joyce had...in 1994. The only difference was, that we were the 3rd owner and Allan and Joyce were the original owners, since the early 70th??? Nevertheless we were very lucky and happy to have them! Like us, they were cat people and when I had my stroke, Allan and Joyce took over our cats immediately! After my stroke I had a dream of Allan, that he built a special ladder, in order for me to go on the roof!!? That said Allan, not only did you help me to get up when I had fallen, but you were also in my dreams!!?? You both were wonderful neighbors. I am glad to have you had as my neighbors. We also will look after Joyce as long as we can. I know the last couple of weeks were not the best for you, but at least you don't have to suffer any more! Take care from above and rest in peace. We will never forget you!!!
Glenn Calder
Allan was a neighbour for over 40 years…we benefitted from his scientific explanations and gardening tips. Condolences Joyce. Treasure the precious memories.
Kendra Cann
My condolences, Joyce. All of the adventures you had together over the years, including innumerable orchid excursions, must have been amazing, with many a fen and alvar crossed. I am thinking of you.
Joan MacDonald( nee Reddoch )
I have memories of Allan when we spent time at my family cottage at Head Lake On. Some of our adventures included successful fishing in the small rowboat, and exploring the beaches. We have kept in touch through the years, and I still marvel at all he accomplished. A life well lived. Caring thoughts at this difficult time, Joyce
Nigel Brereton
Joyce,
I was very sad to hear of his passing. I well remember my early days in Ottawa when you and
Allan provide me with so much information about the many natural habitats that surround the city.
Nigel Brereton
Joyce,
I was very sad to hear of Allan's passing. Iwell remember how both of you provided me with information on the various habitats that surround
Ottawa.
Claire and John Schofield
Joyce - Claire and I wish to extend our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear Allan. Although we have only known him ever-so-briefly, we saw that he was clearly a kind and intelligent gentleman who cherished your love. May he rest in peace.
A life well lived. Our most sincere condolences. Take care Joyce.