DR. ALLEN MAURICE LANSDOWN

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DR. ALLEN MAURICE LANSDOWN Peacefully and surrounded by love at home in Chemainus, BC on August 15, 2001 of pancreatic cancer. He maintained his bright, beaming spirit to the very end, never losing his sense of humour, never once complaining. An only child, Allen was born to Maurice and Gwen Lansdown (predeceased) in Winnipeg, MB on September 7, 1939. He is survived by his love, best friend and partner, Lynn Petrie; his children, Doug (Darlene) Lansdown of Yellowknife, NT, Ian Lansdown (Leah) of Winnipeg, MB, Virginia Lansdown of Calgary, AB; grandchildren, Tanya (Jaret) Moshenko and Darcy Lansdown, also of Yellowknife. Allen graduated as a Civil Engineer from the University of Manitoba in 1961 and as a recipient of a two year Commonwealth Scholarship went on to graduate with a PhD in Structural Engineering from Southampton University in 1965. Within his 31 year career at the University of Manitoba, Al had been Professor of Civil Engineering, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Provost of University College. During these years his professional and technical affiliations included: The Association of Professional Engineers of Manitoba, Engineering Institute of Canada, founding member of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, founding member of the Environment Committee, Manitoba Environment Council, Association for a Clean Rural Environment, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia and, Chaired the Department of National Defence (Ottawa) Research Grants Committee. He also taught in areas of Law, Ancient Technology and, the Environment. His speciality was Transportation Engineering, with trains being his passion and European railroads of particular interest. Al loved to travel and was able to incorporate much of it into his teaching and research activity. Combining many of his interests with endless good times his travel mainly centered around Europe, with Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece being his favourites. Having an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, his interests were global, timeless and diverse, yet he cared most deeply for people and community. His dedication to the environment and love of all things natural could, in part, be seen in the countless magnificent days he spent canoeing the waters of Northwestern Ontario. He was also one of the worlds original recyclers. As retirees, Al and Lynn made their home in Chemainus, B.C. on Vancouver Island. Allen was currently using his wonderful spirit, lust for life and, abundant knowledge for endeavours such as being a Director and Vice Chair of the Vancouver Island Railway Society. As an active, selected member of the Cowichan Valley Regional District Environment Roundtable, his interests and love of recycling were put to good use. He had also helped sew the seeds for the establishment of a Harbour Commission in the region. Al was a warm and loving man who enjoyed life to the very fullest. He will be missed dearly by all those whose lives hes touched. By Allens request, there will be no service. He wished his life celebrated, not mourned. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the Dr. Allen Lansdown Native Education Fund, c/o Chemainus Credit Union, Box 299, Chemainus, B.C. V0R 1K0 (ph) 1-800-910-4704 or a gift certificate may be purchased for Lynn from Dinters Nursery (ph) 250-748-2023 so a tree, shrub or flower can be planted in Als memory.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 25, 2001