On Sept. 12, Allen Fannin, 64, adjunct professor in Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts, died in a car accident in Oneida, N.Y.
Fannin taught textile design and technology in SU's School of Art and Design. He joined the University in 1997 after a professional career in textile design and operations. From 1965-95, Fannin owned Fannin Spinners and Weavers in Camden, N.Y., where he developed a production system that permitted rapid design changes and produced specialty fabrics for private aircraft interiors, the U.S. Navy and other clients.
"Everything in our department revolves around textiles and we have been confident about the education we offered in textiles because of Allen Fannin," says Karen Bakke, chair of SU's fashion and design technology department. "He did a wonderful job preparing our students to spend their lives in the textile world. He was extremely giving of his time. He was the last word in textiles - he knew the answer to everything."
Fannin's passion for teaching was exemplified by his Outstanding Adjunct award from SU's former College for Human Development in 1998.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Fannin was a lover of fly-fishing and the outdoors. He was named Outstanding Instructor in the Sportsfishing and Aquatic Resources Education Program by Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources in 1994. He was the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National 4-H Natural Resources Leader of the Year that same year.
His published works include "Handspinning: Art and Technique" (1970); "Handloom Weaving Technology" (1979, revised 1999); and the textbook "People, Product and Processes" (2004).
Fannin is survived by two sons and two sisters.
SU is planning a memorial service at Hendricks Chapel. Details will be announced as they are available.
