James Strutt

STRUTT, James William F.R.A.I.C., O.A.A. (Ret), O.A.Q. (Ret), R.C.A., B. Arch. R.C.A.F. 1st Pilot Officer 1942-1945 January 8, 1924 - November 8, 2008 James William Strutt (Jim) passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 8, 2008. Loving husband of the late Audrey Elizabeth Strutt (nee Lett); Beloved father of Lesley Strutt, David Strutt (Anna), Katherine Meredith (David) and Jocelyn Tronsgard (Ken); Beloved brother of Esther Waring; Grandfather of Shannon Butters, Deidre Butters, James Meredith and Nicholas Strutt; Brother-in-law of William Pittman Lett III (Pat). He is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Jim will be remembered for his integrity, enthusiasm for life, generosity of spirit, insatiable curiosity, joy of discovery, insightful guidance and inspirational teaching, as well as by his magnificent legacy of architectural works. A graduate of Ottawa Technical HS (1942), he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, becoming a pilot and serving his country through to the end of the war. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree at University of Toronto (1950). Jim was Chairman of the Ottawa Chapter of the Ontario Association of Architects, elected as President of the OAA in 1959, and served in various roles at the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) including Vice-President, Registrar and Dean of the College of Fellows. Jim was a most prolific producer of 'Modern Canadian Architecture'. His praxis, influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright and Buckminster Fuller evolved into a very distinct reflection of the man, his time and place. His Uplands Airport Terminal (Ottawa) was one of the first post-war buildings to combine art and architecture, incorporating the work of Louis Archambault, and he incorporated the work of sculptor Eleanor Milne into the Canadian Nurses Association Headquarters. For the Canadian Centennial, Expo'67, he was selected to design Plaza de las Americas. His residential explorations in hyperbolic paraboloid construction are often reviewed. Many of his buildings have won awards and several are now designated heritage. From 1969-1986, James taught many of today's practitioners and educators, becoming the Director of the School of Architecture, at Carleton University, in 1977. He continued to mentor students and Interns until recently. Jim felt strongly that the practice of architecture is creative and a good practitioner constantly evolves. To quote him, "Creativity is the expression of self which is generative". He was at the forefront of his profession and the bulk of his life's work (over 5,000 drawings) now forms part of the permanent collection of the Library and Archives of Canada. A huge thank you to Dr. B. Zanke, for his thoughtful guidance and treatment of James over many years and to the Colonel By Residence staff, Care Matters, General Hospital staff and the Elisabeth Bruyere Palliative Care team who attended his every need with such great care and giving during his final days. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends. A memorial service in James' honour will be held at Christ Church Cathedral, 420 Sparks Street, Ottawa, on Monday December 1st at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to the James W. Strutt Memorial Fund at Carleton University, Attn: E. DiSabato, 510 Robertson Hall, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, or at www.carleton.ca/giving , would be appreciated. Please make cheques payable to Carleton University with memo to the J.W. Strutt Memorial Fund.