IVAN KENNETH EYRE

Condolences & Memories (8 entries)

• I was a wide eyed student with many dreams for the future in the early 60's, Ivan had many conversations with me and my fellow students. We all shared a great respect for him and his work. I was able to follow his art career with the books that were published about him and different shows of his work at different times over the years. My condolences to the family and his close friends, he will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Jim Tarte (Student of Ivans) on: Jan 08, 2023

• Keven, Tyrone and your families. I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. The last time I was able to visit him on St. Anne's Rd. he showed me the new book he was doing with descriptions on the left page. Covid really restricted many visits. I know he missed Brenda. She was so outgoing and so much fun. I will never forget the trip her and I took to L.A. for the opening of the new gallery there. You might be interested to know I was the one who bought your Dad's 1979 Silver Mercedes. I think he wanted a truck instead. And I brought his attention to the escarpment near Roseisle, MB which he later painted. I bought the car for my Dad and after 20 some years, it was named the "Grampsmobile" My Dad loved the car. Both he and your Mother will be long remembered with so many good memories. - Posted by: Geraldine (Gerri) McLean (Friend) on: Dec 31, 2022

• My late husband, Harold Moore, was a student who benefitted so much from the teachings of Professor Eyre. After my husband passed away, Professor Eyre was kind enough to come to an art show of his work held in Gimli. I will always remember this, as it was so special to myself and others who attended the show. Thank you. - Posted by: Tanis L Moore (friend) on: Dec 21, 2022

• Ivan was my drawing instructor in my final year, 1972. I loved every minute of his classes and greatly admired him as an artist and an instructor. I followed his career as I managed my own life of non-art work and children. One year at an auction in the 1990's I was thrilled to discover a drawing of his from 1971 and stretched my meagre budget to buy it. It has hung in a prominent place in my house ever since, and I often think of him with gratitude, as I have gotten back into my beginnings as an artist. - Posted by: Hope Smith (former student) on: Nov 30, 2022

• I was a student back in the late '50s when the Art School was next door to the jail in downtown Winnipeg, before it moved to the Fort Garry campus. Ivan was already a legend, he was so dedicated to his art. It was said that he diligently copied all his favourite artists so that he could discover their methods and secrets. Brenda was beautiful, breezy-the opposite to Ivan but they were dedicated to each to each other. Brenda was enterprising, opening a gallery, taking part in plays and did the general contracting when they built their house in St. Norbert. The top floor studio was where he was able to create his marvellous world in paint print and sculpture. My deepest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Satomi Pat Saper (friend and former neighbour) on: Nov 13, 2022

• Keven, Tyrone and family, I had the pleasure of knowing your parents for many years. Ivan and Brenda were both so very humble and kind. Covid restrictions over the last few years made it difficult for me to visit Ivan. I often thought of him and missed sharing our conversations and our big goodbye friendship hugs. My sincere condolences to you all. - Posted by: Mary Buchanan (Friend) on: Nov 12, 2022

• I studied painting and drawing with Ivan in the early to mid-1980’s. Ivan was as gifted an artist as he was a teacher. Generous with his time, I used to meet regularly with him in his office to talk about what I was working on and about life generally. He once told me that he thought I was talented - and then made the comment that he was often wrong about such things! He played an important part in my life - showing me by example what hard work and believing in yourself was all about. I loved the man. A true visionary and a thoroughly decent human being! - Posted by: Paul McLennan (Former student) on: Nov 12, 2022

• He was Professor Eyre to me at The University of Manitoba School of Art. His drawing class began at 8 a.m. sharp, by which time he would have already walked his dog and prepared a large percolator of hot coffee for us all. More importantly, he made insightful and constructive observations about our work during every class and made learning to draw a pleasure. I make a point of seeing his paintings in The Pavilion at Assiniboine Park whenever I visit Winnipeg. My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Eva Boldt (Former student) on: Nov 09, 2022