In Memory of John Russell Richmond

Obituary for John Richmond

RICHMOND, John Russell, RCA, 1926 – 2013 Canadian artist, illustrator, muralist, author. Member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour, the Ontario Society of Artists, the Arts and Letters Club; and former instructor at the Ontario College of Art & Design. Peacefully, with family at his side, at Caressant Care Nursing Home, Lindsay, on January 17. Formerly of Toronto, Uxbridge, and Anstruther Lake, Ontario, and Ajijic, Mexico, John was well known and highly respected for a vibrant career that included countless exhibitions in Canada and Mexico, huge mural installations in public spaces such as the original Maple Leaf Gardens, the Air Canada Centre, and the Uxbridge Public Library; numerous books, editorials, articles and columns that he illustrated and/or wrote (often in his own fanciful script) such as Gambit, 1958, Around Toronto (Doubleday, 1969), Discover Toronto (Doubleday, 1976), and the whimsical Discover Ontario maps and columns published in Toronto Calendar Magazine in the 70s. John was also a founding member of the Uxbridge Celebration of the Arts. He cared deeply about educating and encouraging young artists, and he will be fondly remembered by many former students in Toronto, Uxbridge, and Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, and Mexico. A consummate artist who lived to create, John left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered, and he will be greatly missed by innumerable friends, neighbours, colleagues and family. He is survived by his five children: Leigh-Anne Devonish of Toronto, Victoria Richmond of Lindsay, Stephanie Richmond Edwards (Michael) of Lakefield, Grant Richmond (Charlene) of Toronto and Martin Richmond (Nancy) of Vancouver, as well as grandchildren Jay, Chloe, Zoe, Kelly, Carter, Holly and Cooper, brother Donald Richmond (Betty), and sister Shirley Wiley (Bryce), and numerous nieces and nephews who remember him fondly as Uncle Jack. Predeceased by brother Bill Richmond (Val) and sister Ruth Gray (John). Following John’s wishes, cremation has taken place at Lakefield, Ontario. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. If desired, on-line condolences or donations to ARTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH (www.afcy.ca) would be appreciated and may be made at www.communityalternative.ca or by calling the COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL HOME  705-742-1875.