Pioneering Adelaide forensic psychologist Dr Allen Fugler dies at 79

One of the state’s most respected forensic psychologists has tragically passed away – leaving his family and SA’s criminal lawyers in mourning.

Allen Fugler on holiday Picture: Supplied

A pioneer of forensic psychology has died after 55 years of service – leaving Adelaide defence lawyers in mourning and paying tribute to the “universally respected” man.

Allen Fugler, 79, passed away in hospital last Monday after suffering from pneumonia as a result of RSV. He had been diagnosed with leukaemia in 2000 and was dealing with an ongoing kidney disease.

Criminal defence lawyer Tim Dibden – who regularly obtained psychological reports for clients from Dr Fugler – said “no one could have said a bad word about him”.

“He was a groundbreaker in the South Australian psychological scene,” Mr Dibden said. “He was truly cutting edge.

Allen in the Northern Territory on holiday. Picture: Supplied

Allen in India. Picture: Supplied

Lyn Faye and her partner Allen Fugler. Picture: Supplied

“You would definitely say he was recognised by the courts – the Magistrates Court, the District Court and the Supreme Court – as an expert in many and varied areas of forensic psychology. He will be sadly missed by the law because he was so affable, and prompt, and would do things on legal aid.

“Now I’m thinking: ‘who am I going to get to do my reports?’. I’ve always had Allen on hand, for my whole career, like 30 years. I still feel like he’s going to walk through the door of my office.

“To use a bit of a cliche, he was universally respected … and a pioneer. He was the cutting edge of a number of areas of forensic psychology that are now taken for granted.”

Dr Allen Fugler outside the Adelaide District Court in 2005.

Forensic psychologist Dr Allen Fugler leaving court in 2012. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Dr Fugler began his career in psychology in 1969 – devoting 55 years and 10 months to the profession.

He was heavily involved in the treatment of juvenile sex offenders, and was instrumental in establishing the Sex Offender Treatment and Assessment Program – now known as Owenia House, which runs multiple programs to help reduce sexual assaults in South Australia.

Dr Fugler was admitted to Calvary Adelaide Hospital on Friday, October 11 before he passed away on Monday, October 14.

His daughter, Georgia, said her father “would always have time to sit and listen to people”.

“He was really one of those people that – rather than being like the life of the party – he really liked to engage in that kind of deep conversation with people and sit around and talk for hours,” Ms Fugler, 41, said.

Allen and Georgia Fugler on New Year’s Eve. Picture: Supplied

Lyn Faye, Justin Nazareth, Georgia Fugler and Allen Fugler at Georgia and Justin’s wedding Picture: Supplied

Allen Fugler with his granddaughter Rose. Picture: Supplied

“He always had time for people, and he was perfectly happy to talk to such a wide range of people with a wide range of backgrounds, and understand them and put the time into being curious about their life.

“He spent several years travelling and backpacking around all sorts of places like Iran and places that nobody would normally go to – and he always had the most amazing stories.

“He really lived on his own terms, and he also died on his own terms.”

Top Adelaide lawyer Craig Caldicott said Dr Fugler was “the sort of person you’d like to sit down and have a chat with at any time”.

“He was really thoughtful, laid back, very engaging and easy to get on with – basically just a great guy,” Mr Caldicott said.

“He was well respected by the judiciary and was highly sought after by legal practitioners to obtain reports for their client. He was a great quality forensic psychologist.

“I’ve known him forever and a day, and he’ll be sadly missed.”

Mr Fugler is survived by his partner Lyn Faye, two children and two grandchildren.

Originally published as Pioneering Adelaide forensic psychologist Dr Allen Fugler dies at 79