Ontario Construction News
Ivan Lavender, 88, a former leader of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) and a key contributor to the industry, died on Aug. 7 in Almonte.
Lavender first joined CSC in 1957, serving as president of the Specifications Writer Association of Canada (SWAC), predecessor of today’s CSC, in 1962-1963, CSC executive director Nick Franjic wrote in a memo to members last week.
He was an active member of the Ottawa chapter, serving as chapter chair and director.
He helped author the first CSC home study program. “Further, he positioned the association as a leading provider of private sector input into the NMS, which ultimately led to its transformation from the Government Master Specifications to today’s National Master Specifications.”
“In November 1966 the (CSC) College of Fellows was established and Mr. Lavender was among the first four to be elected to the Fellowship in April 1967,” Franjic wrote. “Among many of his contributions to CSC and the construction industry was his work on the Building Construction Index which is now known as MasterFormat. Mr. Lavender not only provided his knowledge and expertise to the betterment of the Association, but he provided leadership and encouragement to all in the industry.”
Lavender once wrote:
“I believe the SWAC will become a powerful organization in the construction industry of tomorrow holding similar status to the United Nations in world politics. It will be an association looked upon to provide solutions to problems, and set honourable standards for the course of the construction industry.
To all those who would aspire to specification writing, a word of warning – don’t ever be complacent. Think and write clearly, and as concisely as possible, and, by all means, factually. If these simple, but all important points are borne in mind, the task will be a little easier.”
Lavender was predeceased by his wife Margaret (nee Smith). His children included Penny Kearns (Wayne), Carol Lavender Devine (late Ted), Mark Lavender (Noreen Kemp), Kimberly Lavender (Stephen Jones), Paul Lavender (Gaitane Lauzon).
Grandchildren are Shannon (Chris), Melinda (Mike), Carley (Chris), Jake (Caitie), Sullivan (Kimberly) and Owen and great‐grandchildren include Adam, Rebecca, Abby, Rebecca, Colin, Deklan, Cillian and Angus.