Cecil Lander

He was born in Scotland and raised with his three siblings by his beloved mother Diane Lander. In 1958, Cecil immigrated to Toronto, Canada and later moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1971. He retired in Parkland, Florida, before making his home in Cleveland, Ohio to be close to his daughter, grand and great-grandchildren.

Cecil was proud of his Jewish heritage and was an active member of Beth El Synagogue in Pittsburgh and Temple Kol Tikvah in Parkland.

Cecil made history in 1952 being the first Jewish Queens Scout and had the memorable honor of shaking the hand of the recently crowned Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle.

For two years, Cecil proudly served in the Royal British Navy. He went on to build a distinguished career as a mechanical engineer. He designed and patented several innovative air-pollution-control equipment used in the concrete, aluminum, and steel industries.

Cecil had a lifelong love of sports and competition. He was a champion badminton player in Pittsburgh during the 1970s and also enjoyed golf and racquetball. He especially loved watching soccer and sharing his enthusiasm for sports with those around him.

Cecil will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of 66 years, Esther; his son, David Lander; his daughter, Sharon Helden (Chuck); his grandchildren, Sarah Helden (Christian) and Max Helden (Erin); and his great-grandchildren, Ava Brooke and Cooper Levi. He is also survived by his brothers, Lawrence “Lawrie” Lander (Honey) and Phil Lander (Jodi).

Cecil was preceded in death by his mother, Diane Lander; his sister, Reva Lander; his uncle, Maurice Green; aunt, Millie Levy(Bert), grandparents, Sam and Leah Green, and his great-granddaughter, Livvy.

Cecil will be remembered for his intelligence, accomplishments, competitive spirit, love of sports, devotion to his family, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.

Funeral services will be held graveside on Monday, September 14th at 9:00am at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44333.

The family will receive friends for shiva at the home of Sharon and Chuck Helden (101 Royal Oak Drive, Aurora Ohio) from 12 noon till 6pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cecil’s memory to the Parkinson’s organization: Michael J. Fox Foundation at give.michaeljfox.org