Bruce Lionel Funt

Jan 20, 1924 - Apr 18, 2013

After years of relatively good health, Lionel died peacefully and quickly at St. Paul's Hospital of a heart attack. Survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Donna; sons and daughters-in-law Brian and Karen, Gordon and Julie, and Warren and Karen; seven grandchildren Christopher, Samantha, Elliot, Malcolm, Graham, Emilie and Miranda, sisters-in-law Marina, Elizabeth and Doris, brother-in-law Stewart and many nephews and nieces. Also sadly missed by Donna's family: Bill and Catherine, Kathy and Troy, 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Raised in Halifax, Lionel was proud of his Eastern Canadian roots. He earned his B.Sc. from Dalhousie University. In 1947, he married Frances Russell, and was awarded his Ph.D. in Chemistry from McGill University in 1949. He became a professor and later Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Manitoba. In 1968, he moved to Vancouver with Frances and their three sons to be the first Dean of Science at Simon Fraser University, where he remained as a chemistry professor until his retirement in 1989. With Frances' guidance, Lionel was able to achieve much. After 50 happy years of marriage, she predeceased him in 1997.

A brilliant research scientist, inventor, and an absent-minded professor, Lionel radiated unconditional love to all of his extended family. To the end of his life, he was unfailingly cheerful, enthusiastically supportive, intellectually curious and dignified. He had many interests and pastimes, including travelling, boating, gardening, curling and reading. Lionel was a beloved father, husband, grandpa, uncle and friend. He will be dearly missed.

Memorial service on Thursday, April 25, at St David's United Church, 1525 Taylor Way, West Vancouver, at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. David's United Church.