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PROF. RICHARD EMERSON WILLIAMS  Obituary pic

PROF. RICHARD EMERSON WILLIAMS

Date of Passing: Dec 17, 2013

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PROF. RICHARD EMERSON WILLIAMS Director Emeritus School of Art University of Manitoba 1921 - 2013 After a lengthy and difficult struggle with Parkinson's, surrounded by the love of his family, Richard died at the Riverview Health Centre on Tuesday, December 17, 2013. His friend and caregiver for the last 14 years, Richard Ironchild, was at his side. Left to survive Richard is his beloved wife Pauline; sons, Paul Williams and wife Diane; Dr. Kurt Williams and wife Susan; as well as granddaughters Meagan, her partner Nick, and Caty and her husband Benson. He is also survived by his stepchildren Mike Standing and wife Brenda; Tim Standing and wife Leanne, their children Tannin and Luke; Liz Standing and husband Clarence, their children Will and Rachel; Jon Standing and wife Andrea and their son Corin; also niece Judy and her family in Florida. Richard was born in Dormont, PA. He began showing his work in national and local shows while he was still in high school. He received a B.A. in Sculpture from the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now CarnegieMellon University) in 1943 and completed an M.F.A in Printmaking from the State University of Iowa in 1954. During this time Richard served for three years as an aircraft electrician in the US Army Air Force. He taught at Georgia State College for Women before coming to the University of Manitoba in 1954 as Director of the School of Art, a position he held until 1973. During Richard's career at the University of Manitoba, he was involved in various art organizations. He was a founding member of the Universities Art Association of Canada in 1957. Richard also served on the Board of Governors at the Winnipeg Art Gallery from 1956 to 1977 and was the regional representative for The Western Canadian Art Circuit. During the 1950s and 1960s, he was largely responsible for initiating the nationally recognized "Winnipeg Show" exhibitions, he made many contributions as a member of the community of artists in Manitoba and has been recognized for several collections and works. Richard was commissioned for several local projects, including the 1959 Concrete Sculpture for Polo Park and a wooden Sculpture titled "Birds in a Bluff"; a stainless steel wall relief for the Investor's Syndicate Building (1959), and the official portrait of former Manitoba Premier Howard Pawley (1991). While at the University of Manitoba, Richard taught printmaking, drawing, design and lectured in art history. After he stepped down as director in 1973, he continued to teach until September 1987 when he retired to work as a full time artist. Richard's work is owned by private collectors and several organizations including the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Harvey Gaul Memorial Carnegie Institute (Pittsburgh) and Des Moines Art Centre (Iowa). At Richard's request, there will be no Funeral Service. There are many people to thank. Richard's family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to Richard Ironchild for his patience, kindness and wisdom. He came to us as a caregiver and became our friend. We would also like to thank the incredible team at Riverview who work every day under the most difficult circumstances with compassion, respect, and grace. Thank-you to nurses Darcy, Mila, Bianca, Stephenie, Marie, Judy, and Lily and many others who tried so hard to make Richard comfortable. Also Vinny, Kim, and Pat (now retired). Thanks to Health Care Aides Sharon, Christine, Ian, Dauda, Teresita, Dale and the many others. Thank-you Paulette and Caroline, Occupational Therapist Cheryl and Physiotherapist Emelie. Chaplain Tim (and Cherene), for your care and love and to Dr. Hobson, Dr. Milner, the Doctors at Riverview, Dr. Kaminsky, and Dr. Burley. Dr. Suffia Ahmad for her wise counsel. We thank the W.R.H.A. for the years of homecare, especially Ray, Sandra, and Brian. Veterans Affairs Canada. Thank-you to Pauline's "Rowing crew" for their continued love and support. Donations may be made in Richard's memory to Riverview Health Centre, CD4, and to The Parkinson's Foundation. Wojcik's Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Avenue, 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2013

Condolences & Memories (4 entries)

  • I discovered Richard's work late in his life and also late in my life. I became jokingly his #1 Fan. His work was delightful and at times naughty. - Posted by: Christine Burrows (Fan) on: May 14, 2014

  • We are so very sorry to learn of Professor Williams' death. We will always remember him in his role as Director of the School of Art at the U of M during our years there (1959 - 1963), and for the wicked sense of humour he showed while teaching the first-year Intro to Art course and fourth-year Principles of Art Theory and Criticism course. - Posted by: Maxine Hofford and Brian Lutz (Former Fine Arts students) on: Dec 23, 2013

  • My Great Uncle Richard was a man I wish I had known better. I had the privilege of spending a few winters on St. George Island Florida with him and my wonderful great aunt Paulie. We had such fun when the family got together. He would laugh outloud to remember the champagne and dinners wearing paper crowns. I am saddened to think I didn't make it to Canada to enjoy time with him there. He was a man of talent that I hope was appreciated by many. One of his first paintings "Boy with Forcythia" is hanging in Jacksonville Florida at my sister Tracy's. I am so glad he had such wonderful people around him as his health declined. I know it takes a special person to care for the sick. Thank you all that went out of your way to be so great with him and my Aunt Paulie. Love to my extented family. - Posted by: christine and steve reker (great niece and husband) on: Dec 22, 2013

  • A wise man will be missed. I loved Richard's determination. He was a joy to be around. His quiet, dry sense of humor was one I could totally relate to. (well, the dry part) My sympathy goes out to Richard's family. May the happy memories carry you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Kara (R.A. at Riverview) on: Dec 21, 2013

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

Wojcik’s All Beliefs & Faiths Funeral Chapel (Portage Avenue)

2157 Portage Avenue at Sharp Boulevard (Map)
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