PROFESSOR ALEXANDER BEVERLY THORNTON-TRUMP, B.A.Sc (M.E.), M.A.Sc, Ph.D (P.Eng.)
On Monday, November 14, 2005 surrounded by his family at home, Sandy passed away peacefully after an intense battle with his old nemesis, cancer.
He is survived by his loving companion and wife of 40 years, Benna; son Ian and daughter Ellowyn; their beloved spouses, Marcella Poirier and Jason Nadeau and his most precious legacy, grandson Evan Vincent Thornton Nadeau. Mourning their loss also are Sandy's mother Bernice (Bunny) Thornton-Trump, brother William; sisters, Lynn Murray and Anne Thornton-Trump; his uncle, numerous aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his birth parents and Dad, Ted Thornton-Trump.
Born in Vancouver on December 4, 1940, Sandy was the second son of Belva and Alexander Lyttle. The family re-located to the Okanagan Valley in the aftermath of the Second World War, where they hoped to establish their home. Unfortunately tragedy struck. The death of his mother and loss of his father left an indelible scar on the young Sandy. He and his brother were formally adopted by their maternal Uncle Ted and wife Bunny who provided two sisters and a caring and warm home in Oliver, BC. He then began to establish deep roots in the community and enjoyed his school years at Southern Okanagan High School.
At this time he began to dream of being a university professor. Returning to Vancouver to further his education, he relinquished his first love of English Literature and Drama for the security of Engineering, graduating from University of British Columbia in 1964 with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Mechanical Engineering). A position in Research and Development at Dupont of Canada in Kingston, ON lead to encounters with the two people who were to alter the course of his life, Dr. Angus Brunneau who encouraged his interest in Graduate Studies, and Benna Szczerski, his future wife. With Benna's support Sandy enrolled in Graduate Studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, ON.
Married in 1966, the couple established a home in New Hamburg. Sandy received his Master of Applied Science in 1967; the couple welcomed their first born, Ian, in 1969. With their new baby and a partially completed PhD, the couple was enticed to Winnipeg for a position of Assistant Professor at the University of Manitoba in Mechanical Engineering. They established a home in Fort Richmond and their daughter Ellowyn was born in 1971. Sandy was awarded his PhD in 1973. He became a member of the eager, enthusiastic, recently Doctored staff who began to teach and lead research in various fields. He became active in APEM (now APEGM), participating on the Board of Examiners, University Liaison Committee, and CCPE Affairs.
In 1978 he was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that would lead to his eventual blindness. Regretfully, he curtailed some of his activities, giving up a hope of administrative roles and focused his energies on teaching and research. Sandy taught a wide range of fundamental mechanical engineering subjects to over 3000 engineers who attended the U. of M. His students will remember his jokes, puns going off topic and zucca melons in courses such as Dynamics Vibrations, Mechanics of Machines I II, Automotive Design and Industrial Engineering Design.
His respect for his students' abilities, encouragement and support of their efforts developed a rare rapport that led to many seeking his advice and mentorship for their undergraduate theses. His teaching ability was recognized by his students and he was awarded the Ralph R. Teeter Educational Award in 1988. He was twice chosen Most Influential Teacher and awarded a Full Professorship in 1988. Sandy passionately believed that engineers needed to develop hands-on skills in order to successful. This prompted him to become advisor to the SAE Student Chapter whose major activity was to design and build competition worthy vehicles. During his tenure he helped several groups enter the International Air Cargo, Formula and Mini-Baja competitions and was delighted when they proved that U. of M. engineers were strong competitors that always performed extremely well despite limited funding.
Sandy's main area of research was Biomechanics and Human Factors. From designing a safer tread for work boots to analyzing gait and limb movements he and over 20 graduate students established novel approaches and developed an international reputation. They produced over 60 academic publications. In 2004 he was recognized for having received NSERC funding for over 25 years. Due to his illness, plans to present his last research paper were cancelled and it was presented by a former graduate student in September 2005 in Bologna, Italy. Sandy was proud that many of his students went on to have outstanding careers in their own right.
Within family and friends, Sandy was known for his philosophical discussions and humourous stories. His enthusiasm to plan, build, renovate and raise the roof generated many moments of family fun. Beyond planting trees and raising bees, the family farm was a source of constant discussion. He was delighted when the family conspired to complete his dream cottage in the wilds of Manitoba this summer. Together the Thornton-Trump family did everything from Dude-Ranchin' in Montana to exploring the ruins of Greece. In recent years, he and Benna enjoyed many a gourmet dinner, dancing, travelling, attending theatre and music concerts. His greatest joy was in sharing in his children's achievements and anticipating those of his grandson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Chapel, St. Paul's College, Fort Garry Campus, U. of M., on Saturday, November the 19th at 10:00 a.m. Reception will follow at the University Club. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the support and care they received from the Palliative Program, especially nurses, Heather Bogacki and Janice Brickey and all of the Home Care personnel, Joe, Bremen, Mas, Sandra and Oxana. Special thanks to Dr. R. Hayward for a lifetime of care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Student Chapter, Dean's Office, Faculty of Engineering, U. of M., R3T 5V6 or a charity of choice. Arrangements entrusted to: VOYAGE FUNERAL HOME CREMATORIUM 1531 Pembina Hwy. 284-7500
No comments:
Post a Comment