Allen Martin

Allen Dean Martin, PhD of Northridge, CA passed away on Friday, May 27, 2011. He was born in Radford, VA, the son of Velma Wrenn Martin and the late Allen Lynwood Martin. Most recently Allen served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences at California State University, Northridge. Allen received his Bachelorâ??s and Masterâ??s Degrees from Virginia Tech and his Doctorate from The Ohio State University. A beloved faculty member who mentored hundreds of students through his teaching and many professional contacts, Allen led a life of service to others, fueled by his tenacious optimism, affability and tremendous energy. He was a man of action who put his values to work. A gifted organizer, Allen easily recognized peopleâ??s strengths, bringing them together for successful collaborations. Allen was Director of the Consumer Resource Center for nearly fifteen years. Under his leadership, students provided much needed consumer and financial education to the local community. Over his professional career he has held multiple offices in the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals; the American Council on Consumer Interest; and the Association of Financial Counseling and Planning Educators. He was proud of his appointments by both California Governors Gray Davis and Arnold Schwarzenegger to the Commission on California Earthquake Authority. Most recently Allen was serving as president of the Los Angeles District of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, and had held multiple state and national offices with the organization. An author of many journal articles and presentations, Allen served on the editorial board of the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences. He was also serving as treasurer of the Council of Administrators of Family and Consumer Sciences. Allen was deeply involved in university faculty governance. He was currently serving as the faculty rights chair of the California Faculty Association and was skillful in negotiations between administrative and faculty concerns. Across campus and throughout the California State University system there are many who consider Allen a good friend â?? because he cared about them, and because he defended them. He is also survived by his brother Kevin Martin and wife Kerry; sister Tracy Wilson and husband Steve; five nieces and nephews Katie, Ellie, Adam, Hannah and Abby; his best friend Juan Oliva; and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. A funeral service will be held at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 2nd. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at 9:30 am. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to: The Consumer Resource Center, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University, Northridge; Make checks payable to: CSUN Foundation. Write in the memo line: Consumer Resource Center/Allen Martin. Contact: John Pepitone, Director of Development, 818-677-5863 john.pepitone@csun.edu . Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com