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Geoffrey P. 'Geoff' Allsup Waquoit, MA QCWA # 35248 Chapter 112 |
Geoffrey P. Allsup of Waquoit, Massachusetts passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Born on April 24, 1951, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Ruth (Perry) and Percy Allsup. His family enjoyed many camping and outdoor trips, instilling in him an adventurous spirit that led him, at age 16, to bicycle independently around England with his cousin.
During his speech as class Salutatorian, to his 1969 graduating class at Tolman High School, Pawtucket, RI, he spoke of the importance of school as "a place to learn how to learn." Geoff went on to study at Brown University. His passions for independent learning, and outdoor adventures, especially on a bike or trike, continued throughout his life. He was an avid reader with interests including history, biography, science, science fiction and the works of Tolkein.
Geoff often remarked that he earned his first amateur radio license at age 12, on the day of Kennedy's assassination, and through his entire adult life said, "I don't know what I want to do when I grow up." However, in the 1980s, his fascination with building and using radios led naturally into intense study of the emerging science of both computer hardware and software. His work as a technician led to a career as a largely self-taught engineer beginning at Neil Brown Instrument Systems and continuing at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution for 32 years. He was a key engineer for the electronics of the multi-component ASIMET (Air-Sea Interaction Meteorology) system. He retired in 2018 but continued working at WHOI part-time. Throughout his time at WHOI he appreciated the institution's collaborative ethic and especially enjoyed helping people solve problems.
Geoff married his high school sweetheart, Kim (Metz), in 1969 and often said that, in spite of complaints from his elders, marrying young was one of his best life decisions. He loved continuing his family tradition of outdoor adventures and biking with their children, Ben and Nora, exploring New England, out west, and on regular vacations to Prince Edward Island. He read the complete Lord of the Rings to each of them and shared with them many interests including amateur radio and photography. Everyone remembers his excitement at discovering picnic tables during their adventures, his love of astronomy, his signature chocolate chip cookies, and his methodical approach to cooking Thanksgiving dinners. By the time his grandkids arrived, he was an experienced baby-whisperer. He saw it as both a duty and great joy to read each of them The Hobbit and the entire Lord of the Rings series.
Geoff was a dedicated member and past president of the Falmouth Amateur Radio Association, where he was active in the organization of Field Day events and had a special interest in helping young people discover ham radio.
He was an attender at West Falmouth Friends Meeting.
Geoff was predeceased by his parents and by his grandson, Ewan Gardner. He is survived by his wife of more than 53 years, Kim, son Ben and spouse Erica Szuplat, daughter Nora and spouse Alan Gardner, grandchildren, Elliot, Lex, and Tessa Gardner, sister Judy Allsup Miller, brother Joel Allsup, his aunt Barbara Wilson and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Memorial Donations can be made to Falmouth Service Center, Rails to Trails, or Falmouth Amateur Radio Association (FARA).
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 2 from 1-3PM at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 584 West Falmouth Highway (Route 28A) West Falmouth, MA, 02574.
The family requests that masks will be worn.
A celebration of Geoff's life is being planned for early May.
Published by Chapman Funerals & Cremations - West Falmouth on Mar. 28, 2023.