Allan Woodbury

Honoring and Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Harvey Allan Woodbury

Harvey Allan Woodbury: A man of profound intellect, steady faith, and deep dedication to his family. Born in Salt Lake City, July 19,1941 to parents Harvey Charles and Lucille Coulam Woodbury.. He grew up in the Sugarhouse area and carried a lifelong spirit of curiosity, excellence, and hard work that touched everything he did.

He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while in the Boy Scouts and was proud to be part of the famous troop 78 from Stratford Ward, who inspired Allan to be a camp counselor at Camp Steiner in the summertime. He was also proud to be a part of the very first graduating class of Highland High School in 1959. His analytical mind led him to the University of Utah, where he majored in Chemical Engineering and Physics, graduating in 1966 with a dual degree. He also served as a president of the University of Utah chapter of the AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers). His early promise as a researcher was clear in the summer of 1961, when he received a prestigious National Science Foundation (NSF) Grant, resulting in a paper published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry alongside Andy Gabrish and Henry B. Eyring. He also dedicated time serving a mission in New Zealand from 1961 to 1963. Later on he was a member of the SLC Kiwanis Club.

Allan married his college sweetheart, Kathelene (Katy) Tanner, on September 10, 1965. Following graduation, the young couple moved to San Jose, California, to build their life together while Allan furthered his education. He earned his MBA from the University of Santa Clara in 1971, launching a successful business career.

In California, Allan brought his sharp mind to prominent companies, working for GE Atomic Power, Tymshare Inc, and Coen in Burlingame. A true entrepreneur at heart, Allan took a bold leap in 1980 by forming Energy Products and Controls. He later partnered with North Associates, a company he later purchased in 1999. He invented the Leak Detector which greatly enhanced boiler safety and was later incorporated into common industry software. It was his honor to present this invention to the Department of Defense in Washington, DC. He was a recognized expert in his field and his expertise was in demand until the end of his life. Allan was incredibly devoted to his life's work, continuing to lead and build his business with passion and integrity right up until his passing.

Over his career, he penned many respected technical books for engineering. Yet, he completely surprised his family and friends by revealing a creative side later in life as a romance novelist. He recently celebrated the completion of his very first romance novel, "Stranded with the Grumpy Rockstar!" - a testament to his imagination and wit for trying new things. He completed a second novel that will be coming out soon.

Allan's greatest joy was always his family. He treasured the simple, happy times spent with his children and grandchildren, especially their memorable family trips to Disneyland. He was also a sports fan, always cheering on the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah.

Allan is survived by his wife, Katy; his children, Wendy, Laurie (Tony), Brice and Charlotte (Claudio) who became a member of our family as an honorary sister; and his cherished grandchildren, Jesse (Mason), Isaac (Whitney), Isabelle, Madeline, Olivia, Melanie, Christopher, Troy and Summer and siblings Gordon (Brit) and Janet.

Allan was a source of love, wisdom, and strength to Katy and all who knew him. He proudly supported Katy’s Scottish heritage and was honored as an honorary Menzies Clan Scotsman at his burial-a fitting tribute to a man who stood by his family. His knowledge, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for those around him will live on in our hearts. He will be deeply missed, forever honored, and never forgotten.

Allan passed due to prostate cancer that was caught too late.

In honor of Allan’s love of nature, donations may be made toward planting new willow trees to replace those cut down this spring. Allan found great joy in nature, especially watching the three little squirrels that visited our home each day. Planting new trees would be a meaningful way to honor his memory.