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 humorous
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 |
