Obituary of Ivan Russell Lumsdon

LUMSDON, Ivan Russell: After a long and full life, Russell passed away peacefully on May 23, 2012 at Lakeshore Place of Pioneer Elder Care with his wife Barbara Thomas at his side. Russ and family are very appreciative of the support and care of his physicians and the staff at Pioneer. Russell will be deeply missed by Barbara; his daughter Carole, her husband Rein and his grandsons Peter, Christian and Matthew; his son William; and, the families of Barbara's children, Ruth Anne, Carolyn, Scott, Jane, and David. He was predeceased by his wife Yolande Marie in 1985. Russell was born in Bedlington, England on July 22, 1926. His family, mother Roza Barron and father William Scott, returned to Canada before his first birthday and Russell spent his childhood in Montreal, Quebec. After naval service at the end of World War II, Russell studied civil engineering at McGill University. The time after the war brought many opportunities to young engineers and Russell took up challenges working on civil and defence projects across Canada with private companies and the federal government. Russell joined Acres, a Niagara Falls firm of international engineering consultants, in 1965. He travelled and lived around the world with his family, but always returned to his St. Catharines residence between projects. He was a treasurer and president of the Niagara Chapter of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario and also worked on local projects including the Port Dalhousie hydro generating station, the Maid of the Mist, General Motors and Marineland. After the passing of Yolande in 1985 and his retirement in 1991, Russell built a cottage on Nevis, West Indies where he and his wife Barbara enjoyed their winters gardening and volunteering for community projects. Russ will be fondly remembered by family and friends. The family will receive visitors at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines on Friday (Today) from 7-9p.m. A Funeral Service will take place at St. Columba Church, 7 St. Columba Drive, St. Catharines on Saturday, May 26th at 11a.m. Cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Niagara Alzheimers Society, Niagara Parkinson's Society or Wellspring would be appreciated.