Edward Arthur Lumley, known affectionately as Ted to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Blind River, Ontario. Born on July 7, 1936, in Sudbury, Ontario, Ted's life was a tapestry of meaningful relationships, diverse interests, and community service, spanning 89 years of dedication and joy.
Ted's early life was spent in the vibrant city of Sudbury, where he attended Copper Cliff High School in Copper Cliff, Ontario. His educational journey laid the foundation for an illustrious career that took him across different industries and geographies. Ted began his professional path at General Telephone in St. Petersburg, Florida, before moving on to Bell Telephone and INCO in Sudbury, Ontario. His entrepreneurial spirit shone through when he owned and operated Underwater Unlimited Dive Shop and Training Centre in Val Caron, Ontario, and later Schoolhouse Printing on St. Joseph's Island, Ontario. His passion for community news led him to become the founder, owner, and operator of the Island Clippings Newspaper, a publication that continues to serve St. Joseph's Island with dedication and care.
Ted was a man of many interests, a testament to his curious and vibrant spirit. In the 1960s and 1970s, Ted was an active sportsman, playing hockey as the captain of the St. Petersburg Stars Hockey team and working as a mechanic and driver of stock car number 407 at the Sunshine Speedway in St. Petersburg, Florida. His love for the underwater world was evident in his avid SCUBA diving and membership with the Dolphin Aquatic Club and Underwater Adventurers in the Sudbury area.
In his 60s, Ted discovered a passion for motorcycles, purchasing his first bike and becoming an active member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association well into his 80s. His commitment to community service was unwavering, evidenced by his 30-year active membership in the Lions Club, starting with the St. Joseph Island Lions and later with the Bruce Mines Lions club. A 3rd generation Mason, Ted was a member of both the Algonquin and City of Lakes Lodges, where he shared his wisdom and camaraderie.
Ted's love for sports continued as an avid follower of curling, particularly the Jacobs Rink, and he rarely missed a game of the Blue Jays or the Sudbury Wolves. His love of storytelling was legendary; he relished the opportunity to share a joke or one of his "stories" after a family dinner, leaving a lasting impression of warmth and humour.
Ted is survived by his loving family: his sister Ann Hurd (Ron), son Michael Lumley (Laurie), daughter Susan Lumley (Kyle), grandchildren Theresa Bloor (Guy), Craig Lumley (Karol), Joshua Lumley, Jessica Valade (Dan), Oliver Lumley-Pfeil, Madison Lumley-Pfeil, Libbie Lumley-Pfeil, and great-grandchildren Sara Joyes, Makayla Joyes, Ethan Joyes, Luke Bloor, Syrus Lumley and Tryston Eveleigh. He will also be fondly remembered by his nephew Steve Hurd (Lyndia), niece Sandee Wynn (Steve), and the numerous friends and community members whose lives he touched. Ted was predeceased by his wives Julienne Lumley (nee Lavergne) and Viola (Lumley) Reed (nee Desjardins), and his granddaughter Zoey Lumley-Pfeil.
Described as interesting, friendly, and intelligent by those who knew him best, Ted Lumley leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and service. His passing is a loss to all who knew him, but his stories, his laughter, and his indomitable spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and the community he so dearly loved. Ted's life reminds us to embrace our passions, connect with our communities, and above all, to share the joy of a good story whenever we can. He will be deeply missed.
Ted's family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Raycraft and the Acute Care staff at the North Shore Health Network in Blind River. Ontario and to the management and staff at the Light Haven Christian Home in Bruce Mines, Ontario.
As per Ted's wishes there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Bruce Mines Lions Club in Ted's honour or a charity of your choice.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home (215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 1P7, 705-759-8456)