PO dedicates Utilities Shop to longtime businessman, developer

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, January 13, 2026

On Jan. 7, the city of Port Orchard dedicated the new Utilities Shop, which is located at the former RV & Associates building, to original owner and developer Warren “Red” Lumsden.

Mayor of Port Orchard, Robert Putaansuu, officially dedicated the building as The Lumsden Building, recognizing the developer’s vision and service to the community throughout his life.

“The city of Port Orchard formally recognizes and expresses its deepest appreciation of Red Lumsden for his visionary leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and lasting contributions to the economic vitality of Port Orchard,” the proclamation from the city reads. “His legacy continues to shape the future of Port Orchard, and we honor him with gratitude and respect.”

Lumsden passed away this last Christmas Eve in 2025. Born and raised in Montana, Lumsden married school sweetheart Vivian Moir. Lumsden enlisted in the US Navy and was on active duty for 10 years before entering the Reserves, bringing him to South Kitsap.

Lumsden created RV & Associates in 1979, a construction company that lasted 46 years in Port Orchard. He was also the developer of the Port Orchard Industrial Park. Another aspect of Lumsden’s life that people remember fondly is his raising of beef cattle for many years.

“Red Lumsden recognized the need to create industrial land in Port Orchard, which in turn created business opportunity and jobs,” Putaansuu said. “His vision in the early 90s created what we have today in the Port Orchard industrial park.”

There were many watching as Putaansuu officially dedicated the building, including Lumsden’s granddaughter, Tia Still. “To see his name, his story, and his contributions formally honored was something I’ll carry with me forever,” Still posted online the day of the dedication. “But beyond his accomplishments, Red was my grandpa. The man who always put family first. The steady presence, the quiet strength, the example of what it looks like to work hard, show up, and take care of the people you love. He taught us values that can’t be written on a plaque: integrity, loyalty, humility, the value of family, and commitment to something bigger than yourself.”

After his retirement, Lumsden passed on the family business to his son, Robert, who was general manager of RV & Associates before its closing in October. “He was a family man, a businessman,” said Lumsden. “Our business was all family. He and my mom were partners his whole life until she passed. He knew a lot of people. He had been in Kitsap County since 1968.”

The city expressed gratitude in its online post of the dedication, noting the Utilities Shop will serve as a cornerstone for maintaining and improving essential services for the community.

“I’m so grateful that his legacy will continue to live on not just through a building, but through the lives he touched, the community he helped shape, and the family he loved so deeply,” said Still.