Known to his brothers as "Cornelius." According to his youngest son, could be stern, short-tempered. Very fair with blue eyes. Skilled cabinet maker. Engineer at Dominion Arsenal during Great War. Lectured in engineering at McGill. Migrated to England to take up post with the Ministry of Industry's timber mechanics laboratory. Expert on industrial use of wood, e.g. mine support systems (pit props) and "utility stubs" (poles). Proved the feasibility of laminated wood for use in De Havilland Albatross and Mosquito. Retired to Canada in 1945; took up residence at Menzies House, Almonte, Ont. Was only able to leave the U.K. with his gratuity and pension because he still owned part of a cottage at Iroquois, Ont. Avid gardener.