SEAS, FAS professor Allan R. Robinson dies at 76

Allan R. Robinson, Gordon McKay Professor of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Emeritus at Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, died on Sept. 25 at the age of 76.

Described by his family and colleagues as a deep thinker and “founding father,” Robinson will be most remembered by his close friends for his powerful intellect and presence and his profound influence as a leader and mentor to generations of students.

Born in Lynn, Mass., in 1932, Robinson was a pioneer of theoretical and numerical ocean modeling, making major contributions to fundamental physical and interdisciplinary ocean science and dynamics. He earned his B.A., magna cum laude, M.A., and Ph.D. degrees, all in physics, from Harvard.

Robinson is survived by his wife, Marguerite, whom he met in college, three children, and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for Robinson in the spring.