Cliff Lumsdon, much like his coach and mentor Gus Ryder, was not only a remarkable long-distance swimmer but also a compassionate and respectable individual. His achievements in swimming were formidable, earning him five World Marathon titles between 1949 and 1956 under Ryder’s guidance.

Lumsdon’s journey in swimming began when he joined the renowned Lakeshore Swim Club in the 1940s. He quickly made a name for himself, winning his first World Marathon title at the age of 18. Notably, he didn’t swim solely for victory but also to test his own limits, exemplified by his daring swim across the treacherous Juan de Fuca Strait between British Columbia and Washington state in 1956.

Even after his passing in 1991, Lumsdon’s legacy lived on through the memories shared by his wife Joan. She recalled his aversion to swimming alone, highlighting his love for competitive races that motivated him. Lumsdon’s endurance was legendary, with a rigorous training routine that included five hours of swimming daily in the Credit River, often alongside his close friend Marilyn Bell.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Lumsdon was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as the Outstanding Canadian Athlete of the Year in 1949 after winning his first world title. His contributions to the sport earned him induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1967.

Even after retiring from competitive swimming, Lumsdon remained deeply involved in the sport he loved. He coached numerous aspiring swimmers, including his daughter Kim, who herself accomplished the remarkable feat of conquering Lake Ontario in 1976.

Lumsdon’s dedication to swimming and his community was unwavering. He spent decades coaching at the Lakeshore Swim Club and also served as a valued employee of the City of Etobicoke for 30 years, leaving a lasting impact on generations of swimmers and residents alike.