Architect Sidney Arthur Townend died Saturday, July 9, in Sudbury after several years of frail health. He was 80.
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Art Townend's firm designed Tom Davies Square and many other "signature" buildings in Sudbury. This photo was taken in 1998. |
In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, the architecture of Townend and his partners, John Stefura, "Corky" Baleshta and Blaine Nicholls, made a significant impact on the human and physical environment of Sudbury, a city in the process of transforming itself from a mining town to a sophisticated regional capital.
Townend was born in Cuba and raised in Jamaica. After graduating in architecture from McGill University in 1948, Townend came to work for Louis Fabbro in Sudbury.
In 1964 Townend started his own firm with partner John Stefura. Inspired by the topography, light and space of northeastern Ontario, they introduced the latest styles and techniques to a city on the verge of change and expansion.
Among the buildings that Townend designed are the original Laurentian Hospital, St Andrew's Place, Tom Davies Square, the Revenue Canada Centre, two downtown office buildings, Thorneloe University Chapel, and Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. He also designed 17 houses in Sudbury.
In 1952 Townend's designed his first house was for his wife, Mary Evelyn Sheahan, whom he married in January 1950.
In 1998, Northern Life celebrated Townend as one of 25 people who made a difference to this community.
Townend was an avid sailor, skier, golfer and active with the Kiwanis Club. He was also a gifted artist.
He is survived by his wife, seven children and 12 grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Hope Church, 591 Brennan St. at 11 am Tuesday, July 12. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Jackson and Barnard Funeral Home.
with files from Janna Ramsay Best
