George Edward Lumsden, F.R.A.S. (1847-1903)
President of the Toronto Astronomical Society 1900-01.
This photo was published in the 1902 Transactions.
The following tributes are from the RASC Selected Papers and Proceedings for 1902 and 1903.
Our last year [1903] was saddened by the loss of one of our members,
who was of the original coterie above spoken of, was long our
Corresponding Secretary, resigned that place to take, for the now
customary term of two years, the President's chair, and all too
soon thereafter was removed by a premature decease. Mr. G. E.
Lumsden unfortunately left behind him no likeness which
adequately represents his features with the habitual expression of
bonhomie with which we were familiar. The best is a photograph
taken by his daughter, which is reproduced. The Society offered,
by an address, its sincere condolence to Mr. Lumsden's family,
and in a note to these pages are given the remarks made by the
seconder of that address,* which was appropriately moved by Mr.
Andrew Elvins, who is looked up to as the father of the Society.
REMARKS BY MR. J. C. HAMILTON, M.A., LL.B.
* It is difficult to realize that one has gone whom it seemed
most desirable to retain as our mentor and guide, who was rightly esteemed for
learning, and who wielded a beautiful influence not only in this Society
but throughout the land.
Well developed thought and accuracy in result marked his course.
His life of singular purity and almost austere simplicity was
devoted to duty and science.
Among Mr. Lumsden's neighbors, of whom for some years I was one,
no one was more esteemed, more willing to speak a pleasant word
or do a kind act.
He was always ready to point out the great stars and constellations,
and to aid the visitor in using the telescope on his premises.
His gentle enthusiasm, as he dwelt on the beauty and magnificence of the
firmament, induced many to pursue such charming studies. When weary after the
day's labours, he found recreation in scientific pursuits, the change of mental
occupation giving rest.
He delighted chiefly in regarding the wonderful surface of the moon,
the rings of Saturn, and Jupiter with his belts and revolving satellites.
Once, discussing such themes, he told me that his worthy father had the like
inclinations, and that when, in his old age, a friend suggested that it seemed
strange to find him still intent on nature's problems, the reverend man
answered happily; 'I believe that in heaven we will continue the studies
begun on earth, and I wish to know all I can before I depart."
As we consider his well rounded work and completed life, the words
of Ovid come to us, expressive of our feelings,—
"Jamque opus exegi . . .
Parte tamen meliore mci super alta perennis
Astra ferar."
"Completed is my work . . .
My better part shall live for aye
Borne up beyond the stars."
