PROF.
RICHARD EMERSON WILLLIAMS
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, Pennsylvania. 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 Carnegie–Mellon 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 60s, 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
HCAs Sharon, Christine, Ian, Dauda, Teresita, Dale and the many others. Thank-you
Paulette and Caroline, OT Cheryl and PT 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 WRHA 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
Wojcik’s
FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM
2157 PORTAGE AVENUE
204 – 897 - 4665
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
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