Bill Lumsdon was born on March 25, 1918 to Tom and Jane Lumsdon, British immigrants from Alnwick, Northumberland, England in the Glenbogie district near St. Walburg. Perhaps it was divine intervention, but Bill was born because an overbooked Titanic required his mother to book passage on the next ship to Canada. His only sibling, Evelyn, was born on Dec. 22, 1913.
In 1910, Bill's parents immigrated to Canada and settled first in North Battleford. Bill's father and mother took up residence in the northeast part of town (referred to as Chisholm Town) where Tom was able to find work as a construction labourer on the IHC building project, the tallest building in North Battleford. In 1914 Bill's father and three uncles took homesteads in the Glenbogie area, seven miles west of St. Walburg. Home was a log shack with a sod roof, which leaked for days after a good rain. Bill was born here with the assistance of a midwife. He took his early education at the school at the Glenbogie district school. Well into his adult life, Bill was of the opinion that rural teachers provided the best education for children. This was because they taught academics, and more importantly, a way of life that showed respect to others.
In 1927, the railway bought the Glenbogie homestead. The Lumsdons moved back to the Battlefords area where they purchased a farm in the Roecliffe district, 10 miles east of North Battleford. Bill was a farmer at heart but it was now the Dirty Thirties and jobs were hard to find. In 1936, Bill's first job off the farm was in Battleford at a Joe Guthrie's Bakery operated by his brother-in-law. Shortly after, Bill began working at the Saskatchewan Hospital where he completed his first year in psychiatric nursing.
Military duty was the next, and most eventful, phase of Bill's life. Bill enlisted in the army at Saskatoon in March, 1942. He served with the 1st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Bill was stationed in Scotland first. It was here that Bill made the best decision of his life - he married May Richie on Aug. 14, 1942 and then was sent to the front in Sicily, Italy. Bill and his unit crossed into Reggio and battled north through Casino, Ortona and Ravenna. Bill's division was then moved to the western front and engaged the enemy at Pisa and Marseilles. Scoring victory after victory in a relentless offensive, they marched through France and Belgium, then crossed the Rhine into Germany at Aachen. The armistice between the defeated Axis powers and victorious allied forces was signed a month later. Bill, matured, but weary of war, was shipped home to Canada. He received his discharge in October of 1945.
In the spring of 1946 his wife May followed to Canada on the Aquitania. In 1947, Bill built the house at 1211 Frederick St. (97th Street) where he and May would live for the rest of their lives.
After the war, Bill returned to work at the Saskatchewan Hospital. He graduated with a psychiatric nursing diploma in 1947. In 1952 Bill gained new employment as a letter carrier with the North Battleford Post Office.
At about this time, Rev. Ian Logie, of Third Avenue United Church, asked Bill to take on the responsibility of cub master, suggesting he try it for "a couple of weeks." Those two weeks eventually became 10 years. All denominations were welcome. Many will remember with fondness the skills they learned and the fun they had as members of Mr. Lumsdon's cub pack.
Also, in the early 1950s, Robbie Robinson, bandmaster for the City Kinsmen Band, asked Bill to spare a few nights to help nail down the floor in the band hall on the 1100 block of Victoria Street (99th Street). That was the start of his involvement with the Kinsmen Band. This led to Bill heading a band fundraising committee and calling bingos for 24 years. The bingos were a big success, much of which Bill credited to a dedicated core of band parent volunteers.
Bill's community service also involved delivering meals on wheels and manning the Salvation Army red kettles every Christmas season. He was also proud to be a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 70. And, since Bill had lived much of the history of our city, he was a highly valued member of the City of North Battleford Historic Archives board.
Bill's love of sports was reflected in his lifelong support of Beaver Baseball and North Stars junior hockey. But he was even more involved in his sons' sports and athletics. By any standard, Bill was a dedicated father. His four sons were exceptional athletes and involved in every sport the schools and city had to offer. This meant, of course, that Bill spent large amounts of his time as a parent, cheerleader and behind the scenes coach at the baseball field, hockey rinks, gymnasiums and swimming pool. His children were also members of the Kinsmen Band. It was a testament to Bill's character that he did not seek recognition for his volunteer work and community service. Bill loved people and he wanted to do what he could to make their lives better.
Bill was a man of faith and a dedicated member of the Third Avenue United Church. He assisted with baptisms, ushered at Sunday services, and sang in the church choir. He particularly enjoyed reciting at the annual Christmas carol festival. His religious literary favourites reflected his beliefs. Poems like The Christmas Guest The Touch of The Masters Hand, and Let Me Live in the House By The Side Of The Road were a reflection of Bill's firm conviction that we were put on this Earth to show kindness to each other, and to take pleasure in the simple things in life.
Music was one of Bill's passions. He took great pleasure in singing with the Hillcrest Singers. And, if there were local musicians performing, Bill and May would likely be there - at the provincial park, a blues festival in Saskatoon or the Capital Theatre. Despite his age, Bill was actively involved in sports, volunteerism and community service, and music well into the 21st century.
Bill's sterling character, his unmatched record of volunteerism and community service, and his love for his community and his fellow citizens, did not go unrecognized.
In May, 1981, the City Kinsmen Band presented Bill with a plaque in appreciation for his many years of service - recognizing him as one of the great fundraisers in the city of North Battleford. In 1992, he was presented with the 125th Anniversary of Confederation Commemorative Medal in recognition of his service to his fellow citizens, community and country. And, in 2005, Bill was recognized by the Battlefords Northwest Historical Society as a builder. In the same year, Bill was also awarded the prestigious Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for his many contributions to our community.
Bill and May enjoyed a long and happy marriage. They were blessed with four sons: Brian, Terry, Bill and Robin. And their amazing eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren were the joy of their lives.
Bill was proud to call North Battleford his home. He was convinced that the finest people in the world lived in the Battlefords. Doubtlessly, the values of hard work, family and service to one's community instilled by his parents shaped Bill into the selfless and much loved man that he was.
On the occasion of North Battleford's centennial, we, its citizens, give a large thank you to Bill who gave so much to his country, his community and his family. Indeed, we are indebted to Bill Lumsdon - a man whose life was well-lived.
(source: the Lumsdon family)
