MAINE (Formerly of Natchitoches)
March 5, 1934- March 4, 2021
Avid sportsman, leading conservationist, loving husband and father of two, Dr. Arthur Silsby Allen passed away Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the age of 86 peacefully at his home.
Born in Brewer, Maine, March 5, 1934, he graduated from Brewer High School in 1952. Then he continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Conversation from University of Maine in 1956 and earned his master’s degree in 1960. After a stint in the US Army 2nd LT Artillery earning a rank of Captain, Arthur continued is educational journey by earning a PHD in Natural Resources.
In 1958, he married Marlene McKenney and eventually relocated to Natchitoches to teach Natural Sciences at Northwestern State University for over 30 years. During this time, Arthur helped form and support several wildlife conservation organizations, like the National Wild Turkey Federation, NSU Pecan Research Program, NSU Wildlife and Conservation and volunteered his time to various Kisatchie National Forest conservation programs. Upon his retirement in 1999, Arthur moved back to his home state of Maine and then married Bonnie Philbrick of Bangor. Arthur was active in Penobscot County Conservation Association, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) as their Secretary/Treasurer, tour guide for Destination Canada in Acadia National Park, as well as serving on the University of Maine Alumni Foundation board.
Arthur was preceded in death by his father, Harry; mother, Marion (Falt) Allen; and brother, Brig. Gen. David J. Allen and wife Marlene.
He is survived by his wife, Bonnie; son, Steven and wife Cecile; son, Christopher; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; one step great grandson; sister-in-law, Gloria Allen; and two nieces, Tammy and Carrie Allen; sister-in-law, Barbara McKinney; and one nephew and two nieces.
For those who wish to remember Arthur in a special way, donations may be made in his name to the Allen Wildlife Conservation Scholarship payable to: UM Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469.