Allan Silverthorne ’56
Allan Silverthorne ’56 on the Reed campus Courtesy of Special Collections, Eric V. Hauser Memorial Library, Reed College
Allan Silverthorne ’56, January 25, 2015, in Washington. Allan earned his BA from Reed in philosophy and political science, writing his thesis, “A Definition of Freedom,” with Prof. Edwin Garlan [philosophy 1946–73]. Allan went on to earn an MA from UC Berkeley in political science, to teach at Chabot College, and to earn a PhD from UCLA in political science. Allan’s concern for issues of justice and equality were central to his professional and personal life. He worked for the federal government as an organization development specialist, assisting in changes to major private and public institutions such as Blue Cross, Pacific Bell, and the FAA. He also supported the work of many diverse nonprofit organizations. He enjoyed spending time in California’s mountains, deserts, and coastline, and took pleasure in hiking, body surfing, skiing, and basketball. He also enjoyed music and a good pun. He was passionate about ideas, and studied and read extensively throughout his life, including study in spirituality through the Diamond Approach. In the ’90s, Allan moved from California to Seattle and there met Ann Tamminen, whom he married. They lived in Normandy Park. Allan was very close to his daughters from his first two marriages, Barbara and Katherine, and their families, who survive him, as do Ann, her children, and his brother, Wesley Silverthorne ’62.
Appeared in Reed magazine: September 2015
comments powered by DisqusThe Lives they Led
Henry Franzoni III ’78
Visionary Drummer, Advocate for Tribal Fisheries, and Recognized Authority on Bigfoot
Robert Greenberg ’56
Beloved Husband, Devoted Father, Treasured Grandfather, and Venerated Professor
