Loren Edward Acker, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and University of Victoria Professor of Psychology, passed away from natural causes on August 16, 2024.
Loren, affectionately known as Poppy, was known for his brilliant intellect, dedication to critical thinking and the scientific method. Still, he had a silly side, expressing a great sense of humour, often seen through his “duck quacking” with his grandchildren and outrageous fun. He was stubborn and opinionated by nature, but had an enormous heart, delivering bone-crushing hugs and infinite “I love yous” to express his affection. He was happiest when holding his loved ones tight, he could always find the good in anyone, and he held strongly to the mantra of “be kind”. He was an artist, singer, harmonica player, fisher, and a socialist with a long history of political activism and social justice.
Loren was raised in Los Angeles, California, where he earned a PhD in Psychology from UCLA. He completed post-doctoral work in the UK before joining the faculty at the University of Calgary, and later the University of Victoria. At UVic Loren was a popular professor and well-published behavioural psychologist, including a lauded book, “Aids-Proofing Your Kids” in 1992. He carried out primary research in child psychology, often using his daughters as subjects.
Loren retired in 1996, devoting the remainder of his life to his three passions, sailing, research, and his beloved wife. He spent months at a time with Sandy aboard his 30-foot Fisher Ketch, Seaweed, cruising the Salish Sea, with a special fondness for Princess Louisa Inlet on the Sunshine Coast of B.C. Classical music, freshly caught seafood, special friends, and off-the-grid adventures abounded.
Loren was predeceased by his parents, Ida Ethel Acker (nee Nuchims) and James Julius Acker. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Acker, and six daughters, Kelly, Kasey, Lorien, Shevon, Lori, and Becky. He was also a loving grandfather to eleven grandchildren, Wyatt, Sydney, Dylan, Aaron, Emma, Abigail, Caliyah, Cayde, Rafael and Rodrigo. Sadly, Loren was predeceased by his grandchild, Jonah Hart. Loren also took great joy in the family pets, past and present.
Loren’s favourite charity was Médecins Sans Frontières. Please consider a donation on his behalf directly to MSF. A celebration of Loren’s life will be planned for 2025.