Allan R Beaudoin

Al was born on August 25th 1927 in New Britain, Ct. the son of Maurice A. and Pauline [Russell] Beaudoin.

On August 12th 1950 he married Dorothy Jones, [his hometown sweetheart], amidst the rolling hills of the University of Connecticut’s campus Storrs Ct. He is survived by his children: Arthur [Elizabeth] of Traverse City, MI, Bruce [Nicole] of Magdalena, NM, and Craig [Cathy] of Valparaiso, IN; his grandchildren: Marie of Ann Arbor, MI, Jennifer [Colin] of Canton, MI, Hannah [Max] of Canton, MI, Kimberly [Brian] Beaumund of Denver, CO, Melissa McMullen of Elko, NV, Heather McMullen of Long Island, NY, Jasper of Chambersburg, PA, and Django of Magdalena, NM; great-grandchildren: Greyson, Keagan, Moira, Parker, and Colin.

Dr. Beaudoin graduated from New Britain Senior High School in 1943. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII and served his tour of duty as a Corpsman at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Long Beach CA. and at the Naval Base in San Diego. Al received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Connecticut and his Ph.D. degree from the University of Iowa [1954]. He held academic appointments at Vassar College and the University of Florida, College of Medicine prior to joining the University of Michigan Medical School as an assistant professor 1961. He was a visiting research associate professor at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden [1967-68]. Al was promoted to Professor of Anatomy and Cell Biology in 1969, and named Professor Emeritus in 1993.

Al spent his research career in the field of teratology [the study of birth defects]. He was one of the early researchers in the emerging field of teratology [fueled by the thalidomide tragedy]. Dr. Beaudoin investigated the effects of chemical compounds and environmental toxins [including PBB in Michigan] in utero development. At Michigan, he also taught medical histology and embryology. He served in several departmental administrative posts, including interim chairman of the department.

Dr. Beaudoin belonged to several scientific societies, including the Teratology Society [now called Society for Birth Defects and Prevention] in which he was elected to many offices, including its president.

Allan’s professional contributions were recognized nationally and internationally. His research was published in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters. He served on national panels and review groups for the government to advance research and provided significant contributions in areas of birth defects and developmental toxicology.

He spent his final years in their family home of ~60 years with his wife [married over 70 years]. After she passed, he remained in their family home and spent his time doing what he enjoyed most: gardening, watching tennis, reading, and spending time in quiet contemplation and reflection. He passed peacefully surrounded by family.