After a lengthy illness, Terry Rummery passed away on January 15, 2023.
Born in Brockville, On, the son of Evelyn and Albert Rummery, he attended Brockville Collegiate Institute where his portrait as a distinguished student hangs on the wall. He completed his degree in Engineering Chemistry, a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry both at Queens University and a post-doctoral fellowship at University College, London. Time in the UK meant meeting family of both parents who had emigrated from southern England as children. He also met and married a Montrealer working in London, Dianne Walker, and they celebrated 55 years of marriage this year.
Following time at the bench at the Ontario Research Centre in Mississauga and Airco Speer in New York state, he joined Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL) Whiteshell Laboratories where he produced the data to predict optimal chemical operating conditions in the primary coolant of CANDU reactors. Later he was appointed to lead the successful program to develop the safe disposal of used nuclear fuel. In directing the early stage of this complex program, he set the stage for the research leading to the development of the Environmental Impact Statement on the disposal concept and established Canada’s world leadership in the field of nuclear waste management.
He was an ardent supporter of efforts to enhance public awareness of nuclear energy, of science education and the involvement of scientists and engineers in spreading knowledge of their crafts. At retirement, he was Vice-President of Research and acting CEO of AECL.
He could be counted on for spirited discussion at all times, had a propensity for the absurd , a quick wit and a direct route to the essence of any issue. He was an unforgettable man.
Family was important. He is survived by his wife Dianne, his daughter Tara (Dr. Marc Jacquet) of Falmouth, Maine, his son Marcus of Vancouver, BC, his grandson Liam and granddaughter Chloe .Terry was equally proud of his children. Tara is a speech pathologist and Marcus a Yoga instructor and writer. Both grandchildren are following in Terry’s footsteps.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated. A gathering will be held when the snow is gone.
Digital Guestbook
Andrew Stirling and Eileen Howell
Ray and Carol Wazney
Dianne, Tara, and Marcus
We were so saddened to learn of Terry's recent passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad and difficult time. We have such wonderful memories of your family as our neighbors in Pinawa. We still think of it as the Rummery's house. We pray that your memories shared as a family will bring you comfort and peace.
Kevin & Lee Hatcher
Dear Dianne and family,
We were sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. I know that Dad thoroughly enjoyed working with Terry in the years they shared at AECL, and I know that Mom and Dad especially enjoyed the opportunities to visit with both of you at their home in Terra Cotta. The bond between Dad and Terry was especially close and it was Dad’s own request to have Terry speak at his funeral. Lee and I certainly enjoyed the visits with you both when we had the opportunity to see you over the years in Pinawa and Terra Cotta. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Kevin & Lee Hatcher
Jean-Pierre and Louise Labrie
Dear Dianne and family,
We are very sorry to learn of your loss. It is hard to believe that 30 years have passed since I was one of Dr. Rummery’s executive assistants. What a great experience it was to spend a year with Dr. Rummery. He was welcoming from the first day, generous of his time and made sure that I would benefit to the maximum from the assignment. I am very grateful for the opportunities he gave me to develop. He was quite a mentor. Over the years I have met very few people of Dr. Rummery’s caliber and depth of knowledge. His passing is a great loss.
We are very sorry to learn of Terry`s passing. Our condolences to you Diane. I worked with Terry over a number of years and always enjoyed his wisdom and wit. One occasion I especially remember was a trip to Chicago to receive an award for one of the best 100 inventions of the year and I was surprised to see us together in a photograph of the event on Terry`s Linked in page. We certainly hope to be in Ottawa when it is time to celebrate Terry's life.